On April 14, 2025, the rally world was shaken when rumors of a dispute between Kalle Rovanperä and his long-time co-driver Jonne Halttunen spread like wildfire. According to claims circulating on the X-platform, Rovanperä angrily exclaimed: “Enough! I don’t want to drive with him anymore,” referring to Halttunen’s repeated mistakes in the score at the start of the 2025 season. Although there is no official confirmation of the breakup, sources suggest that the duo’s collaboration has reached a crisis, raising questions about their future in the Toyota factory team. Fans and experts are anxiously awaiting to see if this storm is temporary or if it threatens to break up one of rallying’s most successful duos.
Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen have been an inseparable duo since 2017, when they began working together in the WRC2 category. Their joint journey culminated in two world championships in 2022 and 2023, making Rovanperä the youngest champion ever. The 2025 season was supposed to be their return to the full series after a partial program in 2024, but the start has been rocky. In Monte Carlo, Rovanperä finished sixth, complaining of unusual concentration difficulties, and in Sweden he retired due to technical problems. In the Safari Rally in Kenya, the duo fought for fifth with a broken car, but rumors spread in X that Halttunen’s mistakes in the notes would have cost them the top spot. One user wrote: “Jonne messed up again, no wonder Kalle is furious.”
The dynamics between the driver and the co-driver in a rally are delicate. The co-driver has to deliver precise notes in a fraction of a second, as even the smallest mistake can lead to a retirement or loss of time. Rovanperä, known for his cool head, has previously praised Halttunen for their seamless collaboration. In 2022, Halttunen told Yle that their friendship allows for direct words, but there have been no arguments. Now the situation seems to have changed. At the Monte Carlo Rally, Rovanperä asked to repeat the notes, which is rare for him, and at the Safari Rally, Halttunen is rumored to have messed up, especially on the muddy Sleeping Warrior section, which led to damage to the car. These incidents have apparently strained relations between the two.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has remained tight-lipped, but team principal Jari-Matti Latvala briefly commented: “Kalle and Jonne are professionals, they will sort things out.” Behind the scenes, the situation may be more complicated. Rovanperä’s contract with Toyota runs until 2026, but his previous comments about the workload of his career—such as in 2023, when he criticized the World Championship calendar—suggest that pressure could influence his decisions. Halttunen’s position is less certain, and rumors are circulating about recruiting a new co-driver, such as Emil Lindholm. On the other hand, a switch would be risky, as the chemistry between Rovanperä and Halttunen has been a cornerstone of their success.
Fans’ reactions in X are mixed. Some support Rovanperä: “Kalle deserves the best co-driver, Jonne’s mistakes cost too much.” Others defend Halttunen: “Without Jonne, Kalle wouldn’t be the champion, this is just a bad moment.” The setbacks of the 2024 season, such as Rovanperä’s retirement from the Finnish Rally Championship due to hitting a rock, show that in rallying, small things can lead to big disappointments. At the time, Halttunen vented his frustration, but later retracted his words, hinting at the duo’s ability to handle conflict.
The Croatian Rally Championship in late April is the next test. If the rumors are true, Rovanperä and Halttunen will need to find common ground quickly. Rallying is a ruthless sport where trust is everything, and the duo will have to show that their partnership can weather the storm. Competitors such as Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak are not waiting, and McLaren’s Elfyn Evans has emerged as a strong contender. Rovanperä’s goal is a third championship, but that will require a flawless performance.
This episode reminds us of the human side of rallying. Rovanperä, although a superstar, is also a young man with huge expectations. Halttunen, his friend and partner, has been there for every win and loss. Fans are hoping that the rumors are exaggerated and that the duo will return to the track as one. On the asphalt roads of Croatia, it will be clear whether Rovanperä’s outburst is a sign of the end or just a passing storm that strengthens their legendary duo.
