Rovanpera to step back for 2024

Rovanpera’s second championship was almost as convincing as his first, wrapping up the title with a round to spare at the Central European Rally.

After guiding Toyota to their third consecutive manufacturers championship, Rovapnera signed a new multi-year contract with the Japanese car maker, however, will spend 2024 with a little bit more time for himself.

“I am only going to be driving some of the events,” Rovapnera explained.

“The biggest reason for this is that I have been driving rally cars for 15 years already, which is quite a long time,” he added.

In his step back from the World Rally Championship, the two-time champion will take time to rest and recuperate, as well as compete in some other motorsport events across the globe.

“I enjoy all kinds of motorsport and I’m looking forward to doing some drifting and maybe some other cool events as well as the rallies which we will be selecting next year.”

Many might think that this is the end for Rovanpera in the top flight of the WRC as he moves onto other motorsport ventures, but he is adamant it’s time for a break and he will be back for a full tilt at the title in 2025.

“I felt that now would be a good moment to take a year for recharging the batteries,” he said.

“And then come back again full-time to fight for the championship one more with full attack.”

While it is still unknown which events Rovanpera and Ogier will do in their shared car, it’s assumed Rovanpera will do the fast gravel rallies of Finland, Poland and Latvia, as well as some of his other favourites.

Rovanpera’s announcement was made as Toyota locked in their lineup for the 2024 season.

Elfyn Evans will be their number one driver, Takamoto Katsuta their number two, and Ogier and Rovanpera sharing the third car.