Highly unlikely? Why? Do you honestly think he has signed a multi year deal (which, let’s face it, is looking likely) without cast iron guarantees that they will turn it into a winner?
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Today's story of Huttunen joining TGR for 2019 is confusing, to say the least. It could easily be judged as complete BS if the story was penned by some Mauri Mopo, but... the story was written by Miika Wuorela, who - in addition to being a freelance journalist - also works for Timo Jouhki (if I'm not mistaken), so he a) should know something and b) is unlikely to wanting to tarnish his own reputation by writing totally ludicrous things and getting them published.
Having said that, it would be really weird if Huttunen doesn't have any contractual obligations towards Hyundai for years to come. The deal he made (to which he was chosen for) definitely wasn't for one year or on a year-by-year basis.
Interesting times we're living... :D
Funny, a driver lacking experience from the championship itself, not to mention a WRC car vs young drivers who have both or atleast from the championship. Also quite the opposite to having a Japanese driver in the team, who is said to be lacking experience after several seasons in an R5.
I don't see a reason why Toyota would even consider signing Huttunen. They have the budget to hire better drivers, not develop rookies (unless they are Japanese). Huttunen is currently 9th in WRC-2, only good result in his home rally. There's lots of drivers to consider before Huttunen and probably it's just a tactical hype to lift his value (maybe Hyundai is dissapointed at him?). If Lappi leaves, I wanna see a non-Finnish driver.
How easy would it be for Huttunen to join Toyota considering his ties with Hyundai?