Agreed, this is the key point - I suspect Solberg goes straight to the first team, and Katsuta drives alongside Sami in the 'b-team', apart from on rallies where Ogier skips.
I think if Rovanpera wouldn't retire, it would be different story with Taka. Because I don't think they would let go Ogier to bring Solberg onboard.
He's Japanese, simple as. Plus Toyota run 5 cars, so no-one can complain he's taking a seat when others only run 2 or 3 cars.
There was never a possibility. Toyota never had any intention of bringing in Tanak, it was all rumours by fans dreaming. Even Tanak himself said so early on.

This comment makes little sense. The three 2024 Hyundai drivers all won stages, led a rally and got a win and two podiums. In sum they got more points than Fourmaux this season from same number of...
Hyundai WRT