The world of rallying has been abuzz with unexpected news recently: Toyota’s rally superstars, Finnish Kalle Rovanperä and Welshman Elfyn Evans, have joined forces for a unique project that promises to revolutionise the future of rallying. The collaboration has fans in both Finland and the UK going wild, and social media has been abuzz with speculation about what the duo are up to. While the exact details are still under wraps, rumours suggest that Rovanperä and Evans are developing something that could revolutionise rally driving, technology and even competition formats. This news is particularly exciting as both drivers are renowned not only for their skills but also for their different approaches to the sport.

Kalle Rovanperä, a 24-year-old two-time world champion, has taken the rally world by storm despite his young age. His career started exceptionally early, and in 2022 he became the youngest world champion in history at just 22 years old. Rovanperä’s driving style is aggressive and precise, and he has shown his ability to excel especially on gravel roads, such as in his home round of the World Rally Championship in Finland. On the other hand, Elfyn Evans, a 36-year-old veteran, is known for his smooth and strategic driving. Evans has been at the top of the World Championship several times, and his recent rise in performance, especially since the departure of hybrid cars in the 2025 season, has amazed experts. Esapekka Lappi commented on Evans’ performance to Ilta-Sanomat: “It’s unbelievable how he has found a new gear.”

Rovanperä and Evans have been team mates at Toyota in this year’s World Rally Championship, but their competitive dynamic has often been the subject of discussion. Rovanperä dominated the Canary Islands Rally in April 2025, winning 15 of the 18 stages and narrowing Evans’ lead in the championship to 43 points. In Portugal and Sardinia, Rovanperä continued his points run, and by Rally Greece in June 2025, the gap to Evans was down to 20 points. Evans has held his own, however, and his seven consecutive podium finishes show why he is one of the most reliable drivers in the series. This race has only increased the interest of fans in their collaboration, as it is rare to see such different drivers combining their skills.

Rumor has it that the project began when Rovanperä and Evans participated in the Tunturi Rally together in February 2025, where they tested Toyota cars in conditions similar to those of the Swedish World Rally Championship. Expert Jari Ketomaa stressed that this gave them an advantage over the others, especially Hyundai’s Esapekka Lappi, who did not participate. After the Tunturi Rally, the duo began sharing ideas for developing the car’s settings and driving techniques, which led to a deeper collaboration with Toyota engineers. Fans believe that their project could focus on developing a next-generation rally car that would utilize lighter materials and advanced aerodynamics, or even a digital platform that would bring rallying closer to a younger audience.

In Finland, fans are particularly excited about Rovanperä’s role. The Finnish Rally Championship, held in his home region of Jyväskylä, has always been a national event, and while Kalle has yet to win it, his exit last year only added to the fans’ passion. In the UK, Evans’ fans are celebrating his return to the top. X-posts have seen comments such as “Kalle and Elfyn together? This is a dream come true!” and “Wales and Finland join hands – rallying has never been this exciting.” The project is expected to bring something concrete to the 2026 season, but it has already increased the rally’s global visibility.

The collaboration between Rovanperä and Evans is not just a PR stunt, but a genuine attempt to move the sport forward. Rovanperä has told MTV News that he wants to leave his mark on rallying not only as a driver but also as an innovator. Evans, for his part, emphasizes the importance of teamwork: “Working with Kalle has broadened my perspectives.” When these two champions combine their visions, fans can expect something unprecedented. Whether it’s new technology, competition format or fan experience, Rovanperä and Evans are ready to rewrite rally history.