Sports · Motorsport · 8 hrs ago
Ott Tänak returns to Toyota for the 2027 WRC season
Ott Tänak is returning to the WRC with Toyota in 2027 after sitting out the 2026 season.
He has driven Toyota’s new Rally1 car more than his future team-mates through his test and development work.
Toyota plans two teams, with Tänak, Takamoto Katsuta and part-time driver Kalle Rovanperä in GR Yaris Rally1 cars, while other drivers will use the closely related GR Celica Rally1.
Tänak’s testing lead has raised the question of whether he is the title favorite, but Toyota’s other full-time drivers will have competed throughout 2026, and Tänak has had little competition this year.
He says he is motivated to return but needs to rebuild his rhythm, and the car will still face conditions it has not yet encountered.
His experience could help Toyota and give him a chance at a second world title, though the season will bring new tests for both driver and car.
Ott Tänak is set to return to the World Rally Championship with Toyota for the 2027 season.
He will drive a GR Yaris Rally1 for Gazoo Racing Toyota alongside Takamoto Katsuta and Kalle Rovanperä, who is expected to contest a partial campaign.
Tänak has completed more testing in Toyota’s new Rally1 car than any of his 2027 team-mates.
He said his 2026 WRC sabbatical left him motivated to compete again, though he will need to regain his rhythm.
Commentators described his return to Toyota as a strong move in his bid to become world champion again.
- Who
- Ott Tänak, joining Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team.
- What
- He is set to return to the WRC for the 2027 season in a GR Yaris Rally1.
- When
- The 2027 WRC season.
- Where
- With Gazoo Racing Toyota. The sources do not state a specific location for his return.
- Why
- Tänak said he is motivated to compete again. Commentators said the move could put him in a strong position to win another world title.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tänak sat out the WRC season.
Tänak completed testing and development work with Toyota’s new Rally1 car.
Tänak is set to return to the WRC with Gazoo Racing Toyota.
- Team
- Gazoo Racing Toyota
- Car
- GR Yaris Rally1
- Season
- 2027
- Testing
- Tänak completed more mileage in the new car than any of his 2027 Toyota team-mates
- Teammates
- Takamoto Katsuta and Kalle Rovanperä, who is expected to contest a partial campaign
What people are saying
This on-stage competition was something I missed the most and also probably something I’m looking forward to the most.
So there is still quite a lot to discover during the season.
Tänak’s absolutely played a blinder, and I can’t wait to see him back.