Kalle Rovanpera will not be able to compete in this year’s Super Formula Championship because of a medical issue. Rovanpera announced last year he was leaving the World Rally Championship to pursue a career in single-seat races, with the eventual goal of making it to Formula One.

The Finnish driver was backed by Toyota, and was set to compete during this season’s Japanese Super Formula for the KCMG team. He completed the pre-season Super Formula test at Suzuka last month, but following consultation with medical professionals, has been forced to withdraw.

Writing on social media, the star said: “I have difficult news to share. I will be stepping back from the upcoming races and my participation in this year’s Super Formula season. I’ve been working with medical issues for already a longer period, which have gotten worse this year.

“My health doesn’t allow me to continue safely at the moment. Now my first priority is to fix that. Feedback and progress this year shows that there’s good potential in this project. My chapter in circuit racing isn’t finished. I’m more than sorry for those who hoped to see me on track.

“I’m looking forward to see you all soon as possible! I’m grateful to Morizo, TGR and my partners for their care and for standing by me, and I’ll keep working hard to come back stronger. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support.”

Rovanpera had previously pulled out of December’s post-season Super Formula test after suffering from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – a condition that impacts balance and vision through the inner ear. But there had been an expectation he’d return in time to compete at the Super Formula Championship.

A statement from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda (Morizo) confirmed the news, saying: “I would like to share some difficult news: Kalle Rovanpera 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.”