Toyota has officially confirmed its six-factory driver lineup for the upcoming World Rally Championship season, featuring a strategic part-time seat that has immediately captured the attention of the entire service park. The big question circulating in the paddock is precisely who will share driving duties alongside the team's marquee names when main contenders sit out certain events.
Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera is set to spearhead the Gazoo Racing Toyota attack behind the wheel of a GR Yaris Rally1 machine. The Finnish star will team up with Ott Tanak and Takamoto Katsuta. Meanwhile, their teammates Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari will represent Toyota Racing in GR Celica Rally1 entries.
Although Sebastien Ogier was notably absent from the team's official launch event, sporting director Kaj Lindstrom made it clear that the decorated Frenchman remains an integral part of the family with a strong desire to contest select rallies. However, Ogier will not fill every single vacancy left by Rovanpera's limited calendar.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala explained that the overarching strategy aims to field six cars at every single rally round. The Toyota Racing squad features three solid full-time competitors, whereas the Gazoo Racing Toyota outfit relies on two core drivers and one rotating seat. Rovanpera is slated to contest roughly half of the championship rounds, leaving the remaining events open as an incredible opportunity for rising young talents.
As reported by DirtFish, these coveted seats will not be restricted exclusively to challenge program participants, as drivers campaigning with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in WRC2 are also eligible for promotion. Rovanpera noted that his personalized calendar will focus heavily on events he thoroughly enjoys, with the opening round in Monte Carlo widely expected to mark his competitive season debut.
Read Also
Simak tanggapan para pembalap Toyota menghadapi pembagian dua tim rival di WRC musim depan. Baca analisis mendalam di sini.
James McShea jalani debut internasional di Amerika bersama Peugeot 208 Rally4. Simak analisis lengkap kiprah talenta muda ini di sini!
The future of Rally Paraguay in the WRC is uncertain following the collapse of its main sponsor, Ueno Bank, and the resignation of President Santiago Peña.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!