Dec.11 (GMM) Kalle Rovanpera’s much-anticipated Super Formula debut test at Suzuka was cut short after the Finn was diagnosed with benign positional vertigo.
The 25-year-old former world rally star completed 32 laps in the morning session before withdrawing. “During my midday break, I developed symptoms of benign positional vertigo, which affects my sense of balance,” he confirmed.
“The doctor ordered me to stop driving,” Rovanpera told Iltalehti.
He later confirmed: “Doctors have banned me from driving for the rest of the week. Really disappointed as we didn’t have the chance to do any proper driving other than our aero test this morning.”
His best time left him seven seconds off pacesetter Igor Fraga, placing dead last on the test classification.
Toyota says Rovanpera will now rest before beginning his single-seater transition in January with Hitech in New Zealand’s Formula Regional Oceania series.
Jack Doohan also appeared on the Suzuka timesheet (21st fastest) after a last-minute clearance from Alpine’s Formula 1 team.
According to sources, Flavio Briatore agreed to release Doohan less than 24 hours before his flight, enabling him to test with Kondo Racing.
Doohan, replaced by Franco Colapinto earlier this year, is now in talks for a 2026 reserve role at Haas. With Toyota Gazoo Racing becoming Haas’ new title sponsor, the team is expected to expand FP1, simulator and TPC running.