Latvala Drops Major Hint Over Toyota's 2027 Line-up

Jari-Matti Latvala has offered a glimpse into Toyota's plans for the world rally championship next season. Amid the technical regulation shift that will completely reshape Rally1, decisions on who fills the seats at the Japanese manufacturer are starting to take shape. One name, according to the team boss, could be the deciding factor.

In an interview with RallyJournal, Jari-Matti Latvala did not deny the possibility of Toyota expanding to six cars in 2027. However, he stressed that everything hinges on the future of Sebastien Ogier.

“In a way, yes, and in a way, no. One very decisive factor is what [Sebastien] Ogier wants to do in the future,” Latvala said. The Frenchman, now 42 and turning 43 in December, has competed part-time in WRC for several years. “We'll have a discussion with him, and that will have a big influence on how it all takes shape,” he added.

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This hint comes amid major technical regulation changes in WRC. The expensive Rally1 cars will be replaced by a concept closer to Rally2, aiming to cut costs and open the door for new manufacturers. Latvala emphasized that budget efficiency is an opportunity to add more cars. “With the budget for five Rally1 cars, we can now run six. That's exactly what we've been aiming for—bringing the cost level down,” he explained.

According to RallyJournal sources, Toyota plans to announce its driver line-up for next season during Rally Paraguay on the final weekend of August. Besides Ogier, attention also turns to Ott Tanak, the 2019 world champion who has conducted extensive testing with Toyota's new-regulation car. Names like Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajari, and Takamoto Katsuta are expected to stay.

Ogier's decision is not just about a seat, but also Toyota's long-term strategy. If Ogier retires, Toyota must find a replacement capable of competing at the top. Conversely, if he stays, team stability is maintained. With new regulations cutting costs, WRC competition is predicted to intensify, making every decision more crucial than ever.