Kalle Rovanperä, the Finnish rally star and two-time world champion, is in the headlines again, but this time for a controversial reason. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has ordered an urgent investigation into Rovanperä’s Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car, focusing on technical aspects of the engine, steering and braking system. The decision came after Rovanperä’s stunning performance in the WRC Rally Islas Canarias 2025 raised doubts about the car’s performance. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has now made an official decision that will put Rovanperä and the Toyota Gazoo Racing team under strict scrutiny. The matter was reported by RallyJournal.com and Autosport.com, among others, in April 2025.

Rovanperä dominated the Canary Islands Rally, the first of its kind in the WRC series on Gran Canaria. He won 12 consecutive special stages and left teammate Sébastien Ogier 45.2 seconds behind, as reported by DirtFish. His performance was almost flawless, especially on the new Hankook asphalt tyres, which were a challenge for many drivers. However, after the race, the competing Hyundai team, in particular Thierry Neuville, raised doubts about the power output of the Toyota engine and the responsiveness of the steering system. Neuville hinted in an X-post on 26 April that there was “something unusual” about Rovanperä’s car’s performance, which led to immediate action by the FIA.

The FIA’s investigation is focused on three main areas: the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU), the hydraulic response of the steering system and possible software-based optimisation of the brakes. According to Motorsport.com, the suspicions relate to whether Toyota may have exploited a grey area in the rules when it came to regulating engine power, particularly turbo boost control, which would have given the Rovanperä an advantage on the winding roads of the Canary Islands. In terms of the steering and braking systems, the FIA ​​is investigating whether the car used prohibited electronic assistance systems that would have improved responsiveness. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) met in Paris on 25 April, and Ben Sulayem confirmed that a “full technical inspection” would be carried out before the next race in Portugal.

Rovanperä and Toyota have strongly denied the allegations. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala told RallyJournal.com that “our car is fully compliant with the rules and we are open to any inspections.” Rovanperä himself was surprised by the allegations, telling Autosport: “I drove cleanly and the car worked well. If anyone has any doubts, they can look at the data.” He also suggested that his success was primarily due to his adaptation to the Hankook tyres, which he managed to get to work optimally. Toyota has provided the FIA ​​with full technical data, and the team is confident that the results of the investigation will be forthcoming.

The investigation has sparked widespread debate in the rallying community. In X, fans are divided: some see Rovanperä’s performance as a testament to his exceptional skill, while others, particularly Hyundai supporters, are calling for harsh penalties if rule violations are found. WRC.com reports that similar technical disputes have been seen before, for example in 2019, when Citroën’s car was disqualified for an illegal chassis. If the FIA ​​finds evidence, Rovanperä could be stripped of his victory in the Canary Islands, and Toyota could face fines or points deductions, as Motorsport.com speculates.

Rovanperä’s 2025 season has been a mixed one before this victory. He was 57 points behind the championship leader Elfyn Evans, but the result in the Canary Islands put him in the lead. His previous performances, such as his dominance of the 2024 Safari Rally, show his ability in challenging conditions, but technical controversies can overshadow his reputation. Fans will also remember his honesty in previous accidents, such as the exit of the 2022 Ypres Rally, where he admitted to driver error, as reported by AutoHebdo.

The FIA’s decision is crucial not only for Rovanperä but also for the credibility of the WRC. Ben Sulayem stressed on the FIA ​​website that “fairness and transparency” are the top priorities. The results of the investigation are expected before the Rally Portugal, and could change the course of the WRC. Rovanperä, who is the youngest world champion at 22, according to Wikipedia, is used to pressure, but this is a new challenge. His fans in Finland and worldwide expect the “Kallen show” to continue, but the FIA’s ruling could determine whether he celebrates again or has to defend himself against the accusations.