P1racenews AI automatic summary:
We called it after Oliver Solberg clinched his WRC2 title in Chile. Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed its 2026 World Rally Championship driver lineup. Solberg, 24, and co-driver Elliott Edmondson have been signed up to the Rally1 squad after securing this year’s WRC2 title at the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally2 car and claiming […]
After Oliver Solberg secured the WRC2 title in Chile, Toyota Gazoo Racing announced their 2026 World Rally Championship driver lineup, which includes Solberg and his co-driver Elliott Edmondson. The duo, who won this year’s WRC2 title and triumphed at Rally Estonia in July, will join the Rally1 squad. Solberg’s promotion comes after Pajari, the 2024 WRC2 champion, earned a year of experience and a maiden podium finish at Rally Japan alongside co-driver Marko Salminen.
Takamoto Katsuta, the first graduate of the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC Challenge Program, aims to continue his growth in 2026 following strong performances in 2025, including two second-place finishes in Sweden and Finland with co-driver Aaron Johnston. Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin remain with Toyota as championship leaders, while Sebastien Ogier and Vincent Landais will run a limited programme next season.
Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala looks forward to a sixth consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship with the strong driver lineup, which also includes young talents like Yuki Yamamoto. Solberg expressed his excitement about joining the top level of WRC with Toyota, emphasizing the team’s achievements and his gratitude for the opportunity. The Toyota team is poised for a successful 2026 season with a mix of experience and speed among its drivers, showcasing a continued commitment to nurturing talent in the sport.
