Toyota does not close the door to a Rovanperä Hypercar test

Currently in a partial program in WRC, Kalle Rovanperä has decided to launch into circuit events in 2024, notably by participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux.

The 23-year-old driver, already a double world rally champion, has therefore decided to try new disciplines this season. Within a structure like Toyota, there is no shortage of choices for opening up new horizons and the Japanese manufacturer's Hypercar is bound to catch the eye.

« I would really like to test it » admitted Rovanperä during the FIA ​​gala last December in Baku (Azerbaijan) in comments relayed by DirtFish.com. « You can see how well Toyota is doing in WEC. We have to do a simulator test first and it depends on that – you have to be fast enough to drive in the real car. »

« Nothing is impossible » replied David Floury, new technical director of Toyota Gazoo Racing, when we asked him about a possible upcoming test in the paddock of the Losail international circuit (Qatar), on the sidelines of the 1812 km of Qatar, round opening of the 2024 WEC season.

Could Rovanperä therefore imitate Sébastien Ogier and align with the grid 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future ? Participation this year would obviously be rushed for the Finn, but the door is not closed for the future.

« May it be an opportunity in the future, yes, but Le Mans is a difficult race that requires preparation, explains David Floury. As he drove full-time in the WRC until the end of last season, the preparation time was too short to get him into good condition (This year. Editor’s note). This is something to be approached methodically. »

While waiting for a possible Rovanperä test, another driver has sat behind the wheel of the Japanese LMH for the first time in recent weeks: Ritomo Miyata. The Super GT and Super Formula champion, WEC reserve of the TGR, will drive in Formula 2 and Super Formula this year.

« The test went very well, Judge David Floury. There is no doubt about Ritomo's level. This allowed him to introduce him a little to theEndurance and the specificities of a Hypercar. He is a driver who has shown his potential, whether in Super Formula or GT500. »

« We positioned him in the European Le Mans Series to allow him to gain experience in a Le Mans-type championship. Formula 2 must allow him to race in Europe at a high level to continue learning and progressing. »

Miyata will be at a good school in ELMS since he will ride in the COOL Racing team of Nicolas lapierre, former resident of Toyota (2012-2014 then 2017), although he is now a driver Alpine. " It is certain that the links with Nicolas, who rode with us for several seasons, played a role. We also evaluated the team, the way they worked, the approach with the drivers. This appealed to us and convinced us that it was a good structure with which to collaborate. »

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