Rovanpera is unusually absent from this weekend’s entry list event after electing to contest a partial WRC campaign with Toyota as he plans to “recharge his batteries” ahead of a full-time return to the championship in 2025.
However, the Finn was present at the ceremonial start at Casino Square in Monaco to take part in the reveal of two special edition Toyota GR Yaris that will go on general sale. The Japanese brand has evolved its popular sports hatchback by launching the Kalle Rovanpera and Sebastien Ogier edition GR Yaris RZ.
Rovanpera and eight-time world champion Ogier have overseen and provided input in the development of the cars of which only 100 units of each edition will be made. The cars feature bespoke liveries and a raft of changes, including a new four-wheel drive system, modified rear wings and specific “Kalle” and “Seb” driving modes developed by the drivers.
Rovnapera says he has been heavily involved in the development of the car and is honoured to have a road car made in his honour.
“There are a few people that can have a special model [of a car] with their name so for sure I’m excited and of course a big thanks goes to Akio [Toyoda, Toyota chairman] who has made this project possible. He is a big car guy like our drivers and he loves to have all of these things,” Rovanpera told Autosport.
Source: Autosport