Toyota Opens Door for Ott Tanak Return

Ott Tanak has once again become a major topic in the World Rally Championship paddock after beginning a new collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing on its 2027 WRC development project. The partnership has immediately triggered speculation regarding a possible full-time comeback with Toyota under the next generation of regulations.

In April, Toyota officially appointed Tanak as a development driver for its WRC27 programme. The role has strengthened the relationship between the 2019 world champion and the Japanese manufacturer following their successful partnership that ended after his title-winning 2019 campaign.

Tanak is currently taking a break from full-time WRC competition after stepping away from the championship at the end of last season. However, his involvement in Toyota’s technical project suggests the Estonian still maintains strong interest in the future direction of world rallying.

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Toyota technical director Tom Fowler admitted the possibility of Tanak returning to competition remains open, although the decision ultimately depends on the driver’s motivation towards the new WRC project.

“The first question is whether Tanak wants to race again.”

“I think it depends on how well he develops the car.”

From a technical perspective, Tanak’s experience is considered highly valuable for the WRC27 project. The new regulations are expected to introduce major changes involving aerodynamics, weight distribution, suspension philosophy, and next-generation hybrid efficiency.

However, Toyota currently possesses one of the strongest driver line-ups in the championship. Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari, and Oliver Solberg have all impressed throughout the opening phase of the 2026 season.

Solberg won the Monte Carlo season opener, Katsuta secured his maiden WRC victories in Kenya and Croatia, while Pajari has recorded four consecutive podium finishes. The situation has intensified internal competition within Toyota ahead of the new WRC era.

“It is becoming harder to find space because our young drivers are showing major improvement this season.”

Meanwhile, the future of Sebastien Ogier remains uncertain. The French world champion has previously hinted that the WRC27 regulations may not be attractive enough for him to continue beyond the current season.

That scenario could potentially create an opening for Tanak if Toyota decides to maintain a balance between experience and emerging talent heading into the new generation of the World Rally Championship from 2027 onward.