Get ready for an exhilarating ride as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gears up for the 2026 WRC season with a powerhouse lineup!
After an unprecedented 2025 season, where they dominated with five consecutive manufacturers’ championships and an intense battle for the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is set to raise the bar even higher in 2026. With an impressive five GR Yaris Rally1 cars hitting the majority of events, the team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the team is bringing in fresh young talent to complement their experienced drivers. Oliver Solberg, at just 24 years old, is making the jump to Rally1 machinery after an impressive WRC2 title win and an astonishing overall victory in his debut with TGR-WRT at Rally Estonia. Solberg’s promotion follows that of 2024 WRC2 champion, Sami Pajari, who will enter 2026 with a year of invaluable experience under his belt and promising performances alongside co-driver Marko Salminen.
And it’s not just the newcomers making waves. Takamoto Katsuta, the first graduate of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program, is poised to continue his growth trajectory after delivering his strongest performances yet in 2025 in Sweden and Finland. He’ll be joined by the seasoned and proven winners, Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier, who will bring their consistent and dominant driving to the team’s championship chase.
But here’s the part most people miss: it’s not just about the drivers. The team’s success is a testament to their incredible passion and dedication. As team principal Jari-Matti Latvala puts it, “We have a wonderful team, and with these drivers, our passion will be on show inside and outside the cockpit next year.”
And this is where the controversy begins. With such a diverse and talented lineup, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is poised to dominate, but will they be able to maintain their winning streak? Will the young talent live up to the expectations set by their predecessors? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2026 WRC season is shaping up to be an epic battle, and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is ready to take on the challenge.
What do you think? Will TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s diverse lineup be their secret weapon, or will it be a challenge to manage? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s discuss!