WRC champion Rovanpera wants Supercars shot

World Rally Champion turned Formula 1 hopeful Kalle Rovanpera has flagged his desire to drive a Supercar.

The Finn watched Ryan Wood drive his former Walkinshaw Andretti United Ford Mustang around the Teretonga circuit in Invercargill on Friday.

Rovanpera won the 2022 and 2023 WRC titles before shifting to open-wheelers in 2026, in the hope of making it all the way to F1.

The 25-year-old is now a rival of Wood, the duo contesting this year’s Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy season.

Ahead of this weekend’s event, Rovanpera’s attention was caught by the V8 powered Mustang, driven by incoming Toyota driver Wood.

“It was cool,” said Rovanpera, who has long been aligned with Toyota, winning both WRC titles for the powerhouse Japanese brand.

“My first time seeing those cars live. It looks definitely fun and super nice, like a race car should be in my opinion.”

Rovanpera is the second world champion in as many weeks to take in Supercars machinery, with F1 star Max Verstappen getting behind the wheel of a Gen3 Mustang in the United States last week.

Verstappen also flagged his desire to contest the Bathurst 1000, with Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup declaring he wants the 71-time Grand Prix winner to follow through.

When asked if he’d like a drive in the future, Rovanpera replied: “I hope so.

“This year Toyota is coming with the Supra into the championship, so I would definitely love to give it a go some day."

Viewers can watch Wood and Rovanpera in action on Fox Sports/Kayo and Sky NZ from Saturday. Check locals guides.