Rally star turned circuit racer Kalle Rovanperä endured another difficult day in Japan as he took part in a crucial Super Formula test at the legendary Suzuka Circuit.
Technical issues cost valuable track time
The test was particularly important for Rovanperä, as he had been forced to miss most of the previous test in December due to vertigo. However, this outing also began in frustrating fashion when a technical problem struck his KCMG team car. Repairs took more than an hour, significantly limiting his running.
Once the Finn finally got out on track, the session was soon red-flagged. Wet and rainy conditions at Suzuka led to multiple incidents, forcing officials to halt the action. In the morning session, Rovanperä completed just eight laps and was unable to set a proper flying lap.
Afternoon drama – heavy crash at 130R
The afternoon brought more track time, with 21 laps completed, but interruptions continued. Luke Browning — a reserve driver for the Formula 1 team Williams Racing — lost control at Suzuka’s infamous 130R corner.
The British driver slid heavily into the tyre barriers before the car flipped upside down onto the grass. Fortunately, despite the dramatic nature of the crash, Browning escaped without serious injury.
After delays, drivers were granted extra time. Rovanperä returned to the track for the final 15 minutes but managed only three more laps before spinning into the gravel, bringing his day to an early end.
Results and hopes for Thursday
At the end of the afternoon session, Rovanperä was 19th out of 24 drivers, approximately 3.4 seconds off the fastest time. Testing at Suzuka continues on Thursday, where the Finnish driver will be hoping for a clean and trouble-free day in dry conditions — valuable mileage is crucial as he continues adapting to the Super Formula machinery.
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