What Rovanpera’s decision to go part-time means for the WRC

Kalle Rovanpera’s decision to step away from a full-time programme next year has not only blown the 2024 World Rally Championship wide open but also serves as a wake-up call.

Speculation that Rovanpera could be set to step down from full-time competition emerged at last month’s Central European Rally, the very round where the 23-year-old became only the sixth driver in WRC history to defend the world title.

Such a call seemed inconceivable but upon hearing the Finn sincerely explain his reasoning for taking a break, the more it makes sense at this point of his career. There has been both support and criticism online since the news broke, but unless you can walk in someone’s shoes, an accurate and fair assessment cannot be made on the rationale behind any decision. Knowing when to take a break is commendable.

There is no hiding from the fact that on paper it seems a peculiar call given Rovanpera’s young age, while some of his rivals have spent more than a decade competing year after year. It most definitely doesn’t reflect well on the WRC seeing its champion, and one so young, taking time out due to the demands of competing after four campaigns in the top flight. But hopefully, some positive steps for the championship can come from this.

There are multiple layers and implications to Rovanpera’s decision. The most obvious implication created is a significant hole in the 2024 title race. With the world champion contesting a half season, joining the likes of Toyota team-mate Sebastien Ogier and now Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi, who will also move to a part-time role next year, realistically the championship will be fought out between four full-time drivers.

Elfyn Evans, a three-time runner-up will effectively lead Toyota’s charge alongside Takamoto Katsuta. This could be Evans’ best chance to grasp the title and become Briton’s third world champion. It also places more pressure on Katsuta now elevated to the second full-time GR Yaris. However, it remains to be seen how Toyota will choose to field Rovanpera and Ogier next year in regard to which drivers will score manufacturers’ points. There is also the prospect that if Toyota splits the events between Ogier and Rovanpera, there will be one less Rally1 at several events, as the Japanese marque has fielded four cars at eight of the 13 rounds this year. It could mean a field of eight Rally1 cars will be a disappointing new norm.

With M-Sport likely to field a…