Rovanpera to Make GT3 Debut at 24H Dubai

Kalle Rovanpera will make his GT3 debut, joining Proton Huber Competition for next month’s Michelin 24H Dubai.

The two-time World Rally champion will share a Porsche 911 GT3 R with compatriots Jukka Konkavuori and Jani Kakela, former German rally champion Mark Wallenwein and Porsche single-make racer Joel Monegro.

Rovanpera, 24, made his circuit racing debut earlier this year by competing in Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, where he won three races and finished fourth in the standings despite missing four races due to his WRC commitments.

“I am grateful to everyone involved for making this possible,” said Rovanpera.

“I am really looking forward to racing a GT3 car for the first time.

“Of course, there are new things to learn about a GT3 car and it is also the first time that I am sharing a car with other drivers.

“However, I am confident that I will find the right speed this weekend together with Proton Huber Competition, as the 24-hour race allows us a lot of driving time.”

By making his 24H Dubai debut, Rovanpera is the next rallying star to try his hand at sports car racing, following in the footsteps of fellow world champions like Sebastien Ogier and Sebastien Loeb.

Ogier made his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut in 2022 as part of a partial campaign with the Richard Mille Racing Team LMP2 squad, while Loeb scored an overall podium finish in the French endurance classic and also competed in the FIA GT Championship and DTM.

“It’s great to have such an extraordinary driver as Kalle with us in Dubai,” said team principal Christoph Huber.

“He has proven his versatility as a driver with impressive results in his first circuit races in the Porsche Carrera Cup last season.

“I am excited to see how he performs in this new step with a GT3 car and how we at Proton Huber Competition can support him.”