Dec.16 (GMM) Kalle Rovanpera’s health scare appears to be easing after the two-time world rally champion was forced to cut short last week’s Super Formula test in Japan.
According to Ilta-Sanomat, Rovanpera’s manager Timo Jouhki says the symptoms of benign positional vertigo that sidelined the Finn’s formative preparation for a future Formula 1 bid have now largely subsided.
“The symptoms have clearly improved,” Jouhki told the newspaper. “The message I received was not entirely clear, but I understood that he no longer has symptoms. I don’t know if he is completely fine.”
Rovanpera revealed last Wednesday that a doctor had banned him from driving for the rest of the week after dizziness struck during a midday break at Suzuka, bringing his Super Formula test to an early end.
The interruption was a blow, given the importance of the running for a driver with no prior single-seater experience.
“He feels bad that he didn’t get to drive,” Jouhki admitted. “It would have been such an important test for a driver who hasn’t had the chance to drive a car like that before.”
Despite the setback, Jouhki remains optimistic that Rovanpera will be fit to contest the opening round of the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in New Zealand, which begins on January 9. Further Super Formula testing is scheduled for March.
Meanwhile, former Indycar star Colton Herta has also now started his pathway to Formula 1, taking part in Formula 2 testing in Abu Dhabi as he targets the required Super Licence points ahead of a possible F1 debut in 2027.