Electric Cars

Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanpera is set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious motorsport career, transitioning from the demanding world of rallying to the high-speed circuits of Japan's Super Formula series in 2026. This significant move marks the end of his six-year tenure in the World Rally Championship, where he achieved remarkable success with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

Rovanpera's decision to leave WRC, where he has been a dominant force, winning consecutive world titles in 2022 and 2023, was not made lightly. The 25-year-old Finn expressed a desire for new challenges and experiences after achieving his childhood dreams in rallying at such a young age. His journey into circuit racing isn't entirely new, as he made his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux and Italy series last year, even securing three victories alongside his WRC commitments. He also gained valuable single-seater experience by driving Formula 4, Formula Renault 3.5, and an older-generation Red Bull Formula 1 car.

Toyota, Rovanpera's long-standing team, will continue to support him in this new venture. This ongoing partnership highlights the value and potential Toyota sees in his diverse racing talents. His departure leaves a significant void in the WRC, where he holds records as the youngest driver to achieve a podium finish, a rally win, and a world championship title, securing his first world championship just a day after his 22nd birthday, surpassing Colin McRae's long-standing record.

Despite his impending departure from WRC, Rovanpera remains focused on the current season, where he is still a contender for a third world title, trailing his Toyota teammate Sebastien Ogier by 21 points with three rallies remaining. Toyota's team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, acknowledged Rovanpera's immense contributions to the team's success and expressed confidence in the team's future, anticipating a strong driver line-up for 2026 and beyond, even as they bid farewell to a generational talent.

This bold career shift underscores Rovanpera's ambition to explore different facets of motorsport and challenge himself against the best in various disciplines. His transition to Super Formula is eagerly anticipated, as he aims to replicate his rallying success in the competitive single-seater arena.

Boosting the Roar: Enhanced Power for Future NASCAR Races

Elevated Engine Output Confirmed for Short Tracks and Road Courses

After much discussion and anticipation, NASCAR has officially confirmed an increase in horsepower for its Cup Series events on short tracks and road courses, set to begin in 2026. The new target for these specific events will be 750 horsepower, a notable rise from the current 670 horsepower standard. This adjustment mirrors a similar strategy employed during the Gen-6 era, which saw different engine packages for various track types.

Expanded Track List to Benefit from Power Upgrade

The revised engine specification will apply to a wide array of tracks on the 2026 calendar. This includes popular venues such as Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen, San Diego, Sonoma, Charlotte Roval, Bowman Gray Stadium, Phoenix, Darlington, Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Nashville, North Wilkesboro, Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire, and the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. The widespread implementation highlights NASCAR's commitment to enhancing racing excitement across diverse circuits.

Stakeholder Engagement and Fan Feedback Driving Decisions

John Probst, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, emphasized that the decision was heavily influenced by input from fans, drivers, broadcasters, and manufacturing partners. He noted the passionate and candid feedback received from fans as a crucial factor in shaping these changes, underscoring the organization's responsiveness to its community.

Future Considerations for Intermediate Tracks and New Technologies

While the immediate focus is on short tracks and road courses, NASCAR has indicated that a similar horsepower increase for intermediate tracks could be considered in the future. However, officials are proceeding with caution, recognizing the delicate balance of factors like downforce, drag, power, and tire wear that contribute to the current quality of racing on these tracks. Additionally, NASCAR is actively engaged in discussions with various manufacturers, including potential new entrants like Dodge and Honda, regarding future engine architectures, alternative fuels, and electrification. The goal is to innovate while carefully managing the substantial financial implications of such changes for the industry.

Strategic Testing and Collaborative Development

To further refine these modifications, an off-season test is planned for North Wilkesboro in December. This test will allow NASCAR to evaluate the interplay between Goodyear tires and aerodynamic elements of the short track package. Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR president, highlighted the collaborative approach with drivers, like Christopher Bell and Joey Logano, and OEM competition heads, to experiment and gather data, ensuring that any changes positively impact the on-track product and maintain the sport's competitive integrity.