Rally champion takes on Red Bull juniors in single-seater race debut
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanpera is set to make his official single-seater debut this weekend.
“So it begins. My first ever single-seater race weekend is here!”- Kalle Rovanpera
The Finn will compete in the prestigious Formula Regional Oceania Trophy — the region’s Formula racing category — which has previously been contested and won by several drivers who have since gone on to make their mark in Formula 1, most recently Arvid Lindblad.
Commenting on the upcoming weekend via his Facebook page, Rovanpera wrote: “So it begins. My first ever single-seater race weekend is here!
“First of the four consecutive race weekends of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is underway, with the first test sessions already completed. It’s going to be a busy month with lots to learn, but that’s exactly why we’re here!”
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Among others, he will go up against Red Bull Junior team members Ernesto Rivera and Fionn McLaughlin.
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
The Finn’s long-term goal remains to climb the single-seater ladder, with a view to reaching Formula 2 in 2027 and potentially even Formula 1 should the opportunity arise.
Which Formula 1 drivers have won the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy?
Several drivers now well known in Formula 1 have competed in — and won — the championship, alongside Lindblad. The current Racing Bulls driver participated in the series to collect super license points in 2025.
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Among them is Lance Stroll, who was crowned champion in 2015, as well as Lando Norris, the 2016 winner and a recent Formula 1 world champion.
Also on the list is Liam Lawson, who took part and claimed the title in 2019 in what was effectively a home championship for him.
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