Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish Formula 1 veteran, has once again shown his support for his compatriot Kalle Rovanperä, one of the brightest stars in the world of rallying. After a test drive at the Rovanperä Rally in Central Finland, Bottas made a surprising statement, expressing his strong belief that Rovanperä can win the World Rally Championship in the 2025 season. This is not the first time that Bottas has supported Rovanperä, but his latest comment has attracted widespread attention in motorsport circles, as it contained a bold prediction about the young rally star’s potential. Bottas’ words not only highlight Rovanperä’s talent, but also underline the unity of Finnish motorsports athletes on the international stage.

Kalle Rovanperä, only 25 years old, is already a two-time World Rally Champion, and his return to the full WRC in 2025 has been long awaited. Last season’s partial schedule gave him time to focus on other projects, such as drifting and the Dubai 24 Hours in January 2025, but now he is ready to fight for the championship again at the wheel of a Toyota. The season began with a fourth place in Monte Carlo, but Rovanperä dominated the Canary Islands Rally with 12 consecutive fastest times, showing that he is back in top form. The Finnish WRC, Secto Rally Finland, is his next big goal, as victory in his home race is still to be achieved. Last year, a crash on the penultimate special stage took away the win, but the test drives show that Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen are ready to challenge the world’s best on the fast gravel roads of Jyväskylä.

Bottas’ statement came in a surprising context when he met Rovanperä after the test drive. “Kalle is something you see once in a generation. He has the skill, determination and ability to drive at the limit, but at the same time keep a cool head. I believe he can dominate the 2025 season and take home the championship,” Bottas said. It was an unusually strong statement, as Bottas, known for his reserved style, does not usually make such direct predictions. He added: “I have followed Kalle’s career from the beginning, and his development has been incredible. If anyone can bring the championship to Finland, it is him.” The statement reflects not only Bottas’ confidence in Rovanperä, but also his own passion for rallying, as he has tried the sport himself, for example in the Tunturi Rally in 2020.

Bottas’ support is also significant because he himself is in the middle of an uncertain phase in his career. Rumors of his possible return to Formula 1 as a reserve driver for Aston Martin at the Canadian Grand Prix have circulated, but his future in F1 is still open. Despite this, Bottas has shown great interest in rallying, and his meeting with Rovanperä sparked speculation about a possible joint project at the World Rally Championship in Finland. Although Bottas did not confirm his participation in the race, he hinted that something special might be on the cards in Jyväskylä at the end of July. This has fans eagerly awaiting, whether it could be an exhibition drive or a fan event, for example.

Rovanperä’s 2025 season has started strongly, but the competition is fierce. Toyota team-mates Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, as well as Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, are all in the title race. Rovanperä’s strength, however, is his ability to drive flawlessly on fast gravel roads, which makes him particularly dangerous in the Finnish Rally Championship. The ceremonial start of the race in Lutakko on July 30 will once again gather thousands of fans, and Rovanperä is expected to be one of the biggest favorites. Bottas’ support could give him an extra boost, as the Finnish motorsport legend’s encouragement resonates widely.

Bottas’ own experience in rallying, especially his fifth place in the Tunturi Rally, gives his words weight. He understands the demands of the sport and Rovanperä’s challenges, especially the pressure at his home race. Rovanperä himself has commented warmly on Bottas’ support: “It’s great to hear such words from a driver like Valtteri. He knows what it takes to compete at the top.” This mutual respect highlights the strong spirit of Finnish motorsports that has been strong throughout the decades.

The Finnish Rally Championship has always been a unique event, and in 2025 it could get even more spice from the collaboration between Rovanperä and Bottas. Whether it’s a joint appearance or something else, fans are eagerly awaiting what the duo has planned. Rovanperä’s road to the championship is long, however, and he will have to remain flawless until the end of the season. Bottas’ surprising statement, however, is a reminder that Rovanperä has the support of the entire Finnish motorsport community behind him – and perhaps something unexpected is in store in Jyväskylä.