- - - - - - -

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo) Comments on Kalle Rovanperä Stepping Back from the Upcoming Races I would like to share some difficult news: Kalle Rovanperä will be stepping back from the upcoming races. He has poured his heart into challenging himself in formula cars, driven by a deep and unwavering desire to grow. Every time he got on track in private tests, his speed was clear to see. I watched him push harder, find something new within himself, and trim his lap times again and again. Yet despite that passion and progress, his body was struggling to keep up. After receiving a medical evaluation, we reached the painful conclusion that continuing to compete would not be the right choice for him. As Morizo, this decision weighed heavily on me. I asked myself what it truly means to let him chase speed, and what it means to protect someone you believe in. In the end, balancing those responsibilities led me to pause his participation in this year’s Super Formula season. To everyone involved, and to all the fans who have supported him with such warmth, I am truly sorry that we could not meet your hopes. But please believe this: his circuit racing challenge is far from over. His love for cars and his drive to become faster will not fade. As Morizo, I will continue to stay by his side — not only as a fellow driver, but as a teammate who believes in him with all my heart. Thank you for your continued and heartfelt support.