The World Rally Championship has once again shown why it is one of the most intense and dramatic series in motorsport. This time, the center of the controversy has been the leading name in the WRC2 class, Frenchman Yohan Rossel, who has caused a storm with his statements. Rossel, who is leading the WRC2 championship with his convincing performances, has openly expressed his opinion that he deserves the chance to show his talent in a Rally1 car – and at the expense of Kalle Rovanperä. However, Rovanperä’s response to this claim has surprised many and brought a new dimension to the controversy.

Rossel, a 30-year-old Citroën driver, has been one of the brightest stars in the WRC2 class in the 2025 season. His victories in Monte Carlo and the Canary Islands Rally show that he is ready to take a step towards the premier class of rallying. The Frenchman is known for his skills on tarmac, but he has also shown the ability to challenge the top drivers on gravel. In an interview with Dirtfish, Rossel was blunt: “Yes, I think I deserve a chance in a Rally1 car. I have shown my level in WRC2 and I want to measure myself against the top drivers.” Rossel’s comment, in which he hinted that he deserves a chance before Rovanperä, has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts.

Kalle Rovanperä, a two-time World Rally Champion, has been Toyota’s star driver and one of the most dominant names in the series. His return for a full season in 2025 has raised expectations, and he has once again shown why he is considered one of the best in the sport. Rossel’s comments could easily be interpreted as challenging, even cheeky, but Rovanperä’s response was unexpectedly calm and diplomatic. Rather than engage in a war of words, Rovanperä praised Rossel and his performance. “Yohan has done a great job in WRC2. It’s clear that he is fast and deserves his chance. However, the Rally1 places are tight, and we all know how tough the competition is at the top,” Rovanperä said with a smile.

Rovanperä’s response has been met with admiration for his maturity and sportsmanship. Many expected the young Finn to snap at Rossel’s words, but instead he turned the situation into a positive. Rovanperä added that he hopes to see more new faces in the Rally1 class, but stressed that the transition requires not only skill but also the right conditions, such as team support and financial resources. His comments also point to the current state of the World Rally Championship, where only Toyota and Hyundai compete fully as factory teams, and M-Sport’s resources are limited.

Rossel’s comments hit a sensitive spot, as the future of the World Rally Championship has been in the balance recently. Rumors of Hyundai’s possible withdrawal after the 2025 season have increased pressure on the series’ development. Rossel himself has suggested that WRC2 cars could become a premier class in the future, which would lower the threshold for new drivers. This idea has also received support from others, such as former Hyundai driver Esapekka Lappi, who believes that elevating Rally2 cars to a premier class could revitalize the series.

The exchange between Rossel and Rovanperä has also raised the question of how to bring new talent into the Rally1 class. Rossel has previously held talks with M-Sport, but the high costs – up to €500,000-600,000 for part of the season – made the move impossible. Rovanperä’s position as Toyota’s star driver is solid, but he has shown he understands the challenges of younger drivers. He says the series needs to find a way to support new names to keep the sport vibrant.

This controversy has shown that the World Rally Championship is in a period of transition. Rossel’s bold exit and Rovanperä’s cool response reflect the dynamics within the sport: on the one hand, the hunger of rising stars, on the other, the self-confidence of established champions. Rossel’s dream of a Rally1 spot is yet to be realized, but his performances keep him at the center of the conversation. Meanwhile, Rovanperä continues his own path to new victories, showing why he is at the top of the sport.