– Ott Tänak may have said goodbye to the World Rally Championship at the end of the 2025 season, but he has remained loyal to the sport. Toyota has secured his services. In 2019, the Estonian became world champion with the Japanese brand.
Read more «Nervous as ever»: Allan McNish on his first Audi weekend
Tänak takes on the role of a test driver and also advises drivers like Takamoto Katsuta. This was an important contribution to the Japanese driver’s successes at the start of the 2026 WRC season.
Tänak himself continues to push forward. He has already tested the Toyota prototype twice for the new regulations effective from 2027. He drove the car on both asphalt and gravel, most recently in Spain.
His return to Toyota has sparked much speculation that he could return to competition next year, provided a seat becomes available in the team.
Sebastien Ogier, at 42 years old, is not only the current oldest Toyota driver but also no longer competes in all rallies of a season. The nine-time world champion has not yet tested the new prototype for 2027.
“Of course, we have known for a while [that Tänak is testing the car], but I think,” says Ogier, “Ott still has some hunger and certainly the desire to drive a bit more. He can tell you better than I can.”
Read more Volkswagen R starts 2027 with an all-wheel-drive Golf at the 24h Nürburgring
“I believe, as we already said at the end of last year, he was obviously not happy where he was. Sometimes a break can help. Now he is starting to test our car.”
“I’m sure it will be fun again after months without driving. Ott’s feedback is always interesting, I’m convinced of that,” says Ogier. “At the same time, I have not yet tested this car.”
“I’m also not sure if that will happen soon. Since we have a full calendar, maybe that’s good for the current drivers of the team. Because if no one takes on this task, the calendar would become very intense.”
- Formula 1Expert: “Kimi Antonelli completely outclassed George Russell”
- MotoGPBastianini is gambling on his future: “A surprise is possible”
- Formula 1After Miami: Max Verstappen renews criticism of rules for 2026
- Formula 1Major changes to Formula 1 engines probably not before 2028
Ogier’s WRC future beyond the current season is still unclear. The Frenchman recently celebrated his first win of the season in the Canary Islands.
Read more Expert: «Kimi Antonelli completely outclassed George Russell»
