If that would be the case, then i am pretty sure, they would run as Tommi Mäkinen Racing in Gazoo colours. With Ogier also hinting, that he wants to have a nice full season to end his career+ having Evans as a tough challenger this year+ Rovanperä and Katsuta learning, the badge would be in picture and taking a break in developing youngsters is also not very good in long terms.
Like Kronos...and other examples from the past.