Dec.12 (GMM) Kalle Rovanpera’s switch from rally to single-seaters is not believed to be under threat despite the dizziness episode that ended his Super Formula test early, according to Ilta Sanomat.
Manager Timo Jouhki said the diagnosis of benign positional vertigo means the Suzuka running is “very likely over”, but stressed the 25-year-old faces no restrictions in normal life.
“This could be due to a combination of stress and fatigue, and it can occur in almost any situation,” he said. “He had both a scan and a specialist.
“Of course, you can’t go out to the racetrack when there is even the slightest assumption that such a situation has occurred.”
Jouhki said Rovanpera has received “good treatment” and does not expect a long layoff. “That kind of thing usually goes away pretty quickly with rest,” he said, adding that January’s scheduled Formula Regional Oceania single-seater debut “shouldn’t really be affected”.
Sports doctor Harri Hakkarainen, who has worked with F1 drivers, agreed.
“If it’s benign positional vertigo, there are many treatments for it,” he told the Finnish newspaper. “He is a young man in good health who has better treatment resources around him than usual.
“With this information, I don’t think he will be on the sidelines for long.”
Rovanpera was, however, also unable to take part in most of the three-day rookie test, which Jouhki admitted “matters a lot” – though its impact is “difficult to assess”.
Meanwhile, Jack Doohan’s transition test for Toyota-backed Kondo Racing also hit trouble – the Australian has now crashed twice at the same corner at Suzuka.