Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time World Rally Champion and one of the brightest stars in Finnish motorsport, has once again proven himself to be not only an exceptional driver but also a visionary in the development of his sport. The 24-year-old from Jyväskylä has invested a whopping 50 million euros to establish an innovative Racing Simulator team, which aims to find and train new racing talents from Finland. This ambitious project has attracted widespread admiration in motorsports circles and has many wondering whether this could be the next step in the continuation of the Finnish rally success story.
Rovanperä’s project is not just a financial investment, but also reflects his deep commitment to the sport, which has been a part of his life since childhood. Rovanperä, who has been racing on gravel roads since he was eight years old, has always been an exception, and his career is a testament to what talent, hard work and the right opportunities can achieve. Now he wants to give the next generation the same opportunities that he himself had at the beginning of his career. The Racing Simulator team focuses especially on young people who may not have had the chance to try a real rally car yet, but who have the potential to rise to the top.
The project uses cutting-edge simulation technology that has revolutionised motorsport training in recent years. Simulators provide a realistic environment where drivers can practice on a variety of tracks and conditions without the expense and risk of a real car. The Rovanperä team has invested in world-class simulators that accurately replicate the behaviour of rally cars on different surfaces, such as gravel, snow and tarmac. This technology allows young drivers to develop their driving skills safely and cost-effectively before moving on to real cars.
Rovanperä’s vision is about much more than just technical training. His team offers comprehensive training that covers not only driving technique but also mental preparation, physical fitness and media management. Rovanperä himself has emphasized that a modern rally driver needs much more than just driving skills. Competition at the international level is ruthless, and success requires the ability to handle pressure, make quick decisions and work as part of a team. These are the skills Rovanperä wants to teach young prospects so that they can follow in his footsteps.
The financing of the project has also sparked much discussion. An investment of 50 million euros is a huge sum, but Rovanperä’s supporters, such as long-time partner Red Bull, have been involved in making the project possible. In addition, Finnish motorsports influencers, such as AKK-Motorsport, have expressed their support for the project, as it can strengthen Finland’s position as a leading country in the world of rallying. Rovanperä’s father, former WRC driver Harri Rovanperä, has also been involved in the project, bringing his experience and vision of the development of the sport to it.
The Racing Simulator team is already in the early stages of its activities, with initial tests starting with several young drivers. The team will hold open qualifiers where any Finn aged 16–25 can demonstrate their skills in the simulator. The best candidates will be given the opportunity to join the team’s development programme, where they will be trained towards a professional career. This will democratise rallying, as traditionally entering the sport has required significant financial resources. Rovanperä’s project could open the door to talents that have previously been overlooked.
Rovanperä’s initiative has been praised not only in Finland but also internationally. Many see it as a model that other motorsport disciplines could follow. The simulator-based talent search not only reduces costs, but also makes the sport more environmentally friendly, which is important at a time when the ecological aspect of motorsport is constantly on the agenda. Rovanperä himself has commented that he wants the sport to develop in a sustainable direction while maintaining its competitive spirit.
The race to find young talent has already begun, and the motorsport world is closely watching who will rise to the top of the rally world through Rovanperä’s team. His vision not only strengthens the Finnish rally tradition, but also shows that the young champion is ready to take responsibility for the future of his sport. Rovanperä’s investment is a bold step that could change the landscape of motorsport forever.
