)
Kalle Rovanperä's decision to step back from full-time competition in the 2024 WRC season raises concerns and prompts discussions about the championship's future format.
On Monday, the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team announced that the reigning World Rally Championship (WRC) champion, Kalle Rovanperä, has decided to step back from full-time competition for the 2024 season.
This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among top drivers in the WRC, leaving many wondering about the implications for the championship.
)
13:30 - 21.11.2023
MOTORSPORTS East African Classic Safari Rally and Nest Seekers International join forces for luxury adventure
Nest Seekers International partners with East African Classic Safari Rally, uniting luxury real estate and prestigious automotive adventure in style.
Rally Japan winner Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta are set to be Toyota's two full-time entrants for the 2024 season.
Thierry Neuville of Hyundai expressed his concerns about Rovanperä's decision.
"It would be a shame for Kalle to scale back his commitment. I mean, Ogier is not doing a full championship anymore, if Kalle would be out, it would be even less contenders for the title fight.
)
15:04 - 20.11.2023
MOTORSPORTS Safari Rally blow? Fingers crossed as top driver pulls out of key legs of 2024 WRC season
The Safari Rally could miss one of its star attractions next year following the decision by the leading Toyota Gazoo driver to feature in the 2024 WRC season sparingly
"There are already not a lot, so if there's even one less, I think for the championship… I don't know what it means for the championship but it shows that something is going wrong," he said.
Ott Tänak, Neuville's teammate for the upcoming season, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Rovanpera's decision might indicate underlying issues within the sport.
"If something like this should happen, it shows that the sport definitely has something missing. If a young champion like this even doesn't want to do the championship, obviously there is something very wrong, and I hope this opens the eyes of the FIA and promoter," he said.
)
13:00 - 19.11.2023
MOTORSPORTS Toyota dominate FIA World Rally Championship finale with Elfyn Evans securing victory
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship at Rally Japan, an unexpected victor emerges, showcasing dominance and determination.
Rovanpera's compatriot Esapekka Lappi, who will also undertake a part-time program in the upcoming season, offered insights into Rovanperä's potential motivations.
Lappi suggested that burnout might be a significant factor in Rovanperä's decision and wondered if the Toyota driver aims to highlight the need for changes within the WRC.
"It proves that he's also tired, for this traveling here and there... And I think there has been also some comments and statements about the format, so maybe he wants to show as well that something needs to be changed," Lapi commented.
13:00 - 19.11.2023
MOTORSPORTS Toyota dominate FIA World Rally Championship finale with Elfyn Evans securing victory
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship at Rally Japan, an unexpected victor emerges, showcasing dominance and determination.
As the WRC community grapples with Kalle Rovanpera's unexpected decision, questions loom about the state of the championship and whether his move will prompt a reevaluation of the sport's format.
Follow the Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo MISS out of Top 10 Richest Sportsmen in the World in 2024 [UPDATED]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/22032024/339f0d88-dbf8-480a-9acd-624e16165dc7.png?operations=fit(600:))
)
)
)
)