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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News

F1 hopeful halted by balance and vision issues in key single-seater test

10:56, 12 Dec
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Kalle Rovanperä’s first Super Formula test ended prematurely due to some physical issues he experienced.
The two-time WRC champion has decided to close the rally chapter of his career at just 25 to embark on a single-seater journey, with the ultimate goal of reaching Formula 1.
To do so, he will need to follow intermediate steps to accumulate the points required for an FIA super license. Next year, the Finn will compete in Japan’s Super Formula with the KCMG team.
A few weeks ago, Rovanperä also completed a private test with Hitech at Jerez, part of a preparation path that is expected to lead him to Formula 2 starting in 2027.
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 Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
However, Rovanperä’s first outing in a single-seater didn’t go smoothly, as he had to cut the planned program short due to balance and vision issues. Doctors later diagnosed him with BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
This condition is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of vertigo—a spinning or dizzy sensation—triggered by specific changes in head position.
Symptoms include sudden, brief spinning sensations triggered by head movements, accompanied by nausea or vomiting, loss of balance or unsteadiness, and sometimes rapid, involuntary eye movements.
Taking it to social media, Rovanpera shared: “During midday break, I got symptoms of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which affects balance and vision through the inner ear.
“I got banned from the doctor to drive this week. Really disappointed as we didn’t have a chance to do any proper driving other than our aero test this morning. Bad luck to have this in our first outing. Now it’s time to heal up and I can only wait for the next time.”

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