Toyota is planning a limited 2027 World Rally Championship schedule for nine-time world champion Sebastien Ogier. While his exact programme remains unconfirmed, team principal Jari-Matti Latvala anticipates the veteran driver will participate in a maximum of three events.
An Expanded Toyota Line-up
The announcement follows Toyota’s official 2027 driver launch in Finland, where the manufacturer unveiled an expanded six-car effort. The team will operate two distinct squads using two different vehicle models. Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, and Sami Pajari are set to drive the new GR Celica under the Toyota Racing banner. Meanwhile, returning world champions Ott Tanak and Kalle Rovanpera will join Takamoto Katsuta in the new GR Yaris for Gazoo Racing Toyota.
Kalle Rovanpera is confirmed for a partial campaign, creating opportunities for other drivers to fill the seat during the 15-round season. According to the team’s press release, these vacancies could be filled by rising young talents or by Ogier for select appearances.
Future Opportunities for Young Drivers
Speaking to Autosport at the launch, Latvala clarified that Ogier’s involvement will be significantly reduced compared to previous years. “Definitely, Seb will be doing less than any other season. We haven’t actually agreed on the exact amount [of events]. Let’s say for me, the maximum is three but probably two,” Latvala explained. He added that this reduced schedule allows the team to evaluate younger drivers and provide them with experience in top-tier rally machinery.
Toyota intends to look beyond its own WRC Challenge Programme, which currently features Yuki Yamamoto, Jaspar Vaher, and Takumi Matsushita. Latvala noted that the team will consider any driver currently competing in a Toyota Yaris Rally2 car as a potential candidate to step into the Rally1 seat when Ogier or Rovanpera are not competing.
Ogier, who was not present at the Finland launch, previously confirmed at the Sardinia season finale that he would miss the Monte Carlo season opener for the first time since 2011. At that time, he remarked, “Probably you won’t see me often, but it’s not impossible that I’m back sometimes.”
