Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has once again highlighted Kalle Rovanperä’s exceptional importance to his team’s success in the 2025 season. The Finn, who competes in the World Rally Championship (WRC), has been a key figure in Toyota’s bid for a fifth consecutive World Manufacturers’ Championship, but Latvala particularly highlights Rovanperä’s unexpected role as a builder of the team’s spirit and strategy. In an interview shared on the X-platform with RallyJournal.com, Latvala praised his 24-year-old star, saying: “Kalle is much more than just a driver. His impact on the team is surprisingly large.” As the season progresses towards Rally Islas Canarias from April 24-27, Rovanperä’s contribution, both on and off the wheel, is proving invaluable.

Rovanperä’s 2025 season has been challenging. Fourth place in Monte Carlo, fifth place in Sweden and the discontinuation of the Safari Rally in Kenya due to a charger failure left him sixth in the World Championship, 57 points behind teammate Elfyn Evans. In Kenya, Rovanperä was on his way to a podium finish, but a technical failure ruined his chances, and he was left without points. According to the DirtFish website, he described the situation as “frustrating”, but stressed that the team had learned from the mistake. However, Latvala sees Rovanperä’s strength in how he deals with adversity. “Kalle is cool in his head, he doesn’t let failures discourage him. He brings a calmness to the team that rubs off on others,” Latvala told the Rallit.fi website, referring to Rovanperä’s ability to stay focused in the next challenge.

Rovanperä’s role in the team’s dynamics is surprisingly broad, according to Latvala. Despite his young age, he has taken on a leadership role, especially in mentoring new drivers such as Sami Pajari. Pajari, who will make his full season debut in 2025, has received advice from Rovanperä on note-making and asphalt driving, which has helped him adapt to the demands of a Rally1 car. Latvala emphasizes that Rovanperä’s experience of two world championships (2022, 2023) brings credibility to the team, and his openness in sharing information strengthens Toyota’s unity. “Kalle doesn’t keep his skills to himself. He wants the whole team to succeed,” Latvala told Autosport, adding that this attitude has been crucial to Toyota’s strategy.

Rally Islas Canarias, the WRC’s new asphalt event, is an opportunity for Rovanperä to turn his season around. Latvala believes he will excel on the smooth, track-like roads of Gran Canaria – an area where Rovanperä has always been strong. “Kalle likes track-like driving, and new rallies are often strong for him because he adapts quickly,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com. Toyota’s five-car line-up, which includes Rovanperä, Evans, Pajari, Takamoto Katsuta and part-time Sébastien Ogier, gives the team an advantage. Latvala sees Ogier’s participation in the Canary Islands as a “boost” but stresses that Rovanperä’s motivation to win is just as strong. “Kalle’s hunger is back in full force this year,” he added.

Among fans, Rovanperä’s influence is evident in the enthusiasm. On X, his post before Rally Croatia garnered thousands of likes, with user @RallyFanFi writing: “Kalle is not only a driver, but also the heart of the team!” Rovanperä’s versatility, including drifting and track racing, inspires fans, but Latvala believes he is committed to the WRC at least until the 2025 season. “Kalle loves racing, but right now he is 100 percent with us,” Latvala assured MTV News. According to him, Rovanperä’s ability to adapt to the new Hankook tires, which have caused challenges, is a testament to his talent.

The Canary Islands Rally is a critical moment for Rovanperä. The 18 special stages and 301 kilometers offer an opportunity to close the points gap on Evans, who leads the series with three wins. Latvala reminds us that the season is long, and Rovanperä still has a chance to win a third championship if he avoids “zero races”. “Kalle is at his best under pressure. The Canary Islands could be his turning point,” Latvala told IS. The Toyota team is united, and Rovanperä’s role as its glue is greater than anyone could have expected, according to Latvala. As the season progresses, Finnish fans will be waiting to see Rovanperä on the podium again, proving not only his speed but also his leadership.