Silly Season 2026

[meh]

So the obvious happened and Solberg joined Toyota in a straight replacement for Rovanpera. I cant believe anyone thought anything else would happen. They keep it simple and dont rock a steady ship.

Well, before Tänak's announcement yesterday, there was a possibility or idea that Tänak may join the team one way or another, but it could change something in the current obvious scenario. It did not happen. Yet.

[macebig]

Guess if Ogier wins the WDC, he will go for the 10th title in 2026 to break Loeb's record. If Evans beats him, he will probably go full part time.

[saco0o]

taka full time again.
why?
he is NOT a rally1 driver imo. great character, but just nope for a rally1

[wyler]

taka full time again.
why?
he is NOT a rally1 driver imo. great character, but just nope for a rally1

why not? there's no one better at the moment, solberg and pajari are already in, and rally2 prospect are still in development.

[saco0o]

why not? there's no one better at the moment, solberg and pajari are already in, and rally2 prospect are still in development.

no idea tbf, sorry about the negativity
but 6 seasons on the best car out there and 'nothing'. i dont understand

[wyler]

no idea tbf, sorry about the negativity
but 6 seasons on the best car out there and 'nothing'. i dont understand

i think that's the general level of the "2nd tier" drivers: enough top5 placement, some podiums, maybe a lucky win...

[Morte66]

taka full time again.
why?
he is NOT a rally1 driver imo. great character, but just nope for a rally1

Is he full time driving, or full time driving for manufacturer points? That is the question.

With Evans + Solberg + Pajari + Katsuta + partial Ogier, and three drivers for manu points per team in any given rally, there is a lot still to be revealed.

Will they go for a second team again? This year Pajari drove for Toyota 2 for manu points, which blocked him from driving for main team, presumably to minimise mental pressure. Next year, who knows?

If Katsuta comes along as a "decorative" driver again, because marketing will pay the marginal cost of one extra driver, I'm not that bothered. Basically we get to see 10 cars instead of 9 because he's Japanese.

Also... for "not a rally 1 driver", he has too many podiums. He gave Evans a very close run in Sweden this year. I reckon Hyundai would consider him for their third car if he was at M-Sport now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well, before Tänak's announcement yesterday, there was a possibility or idea that Tänak may join the team one way or another, but it could change something in the current obvious scenario. It did not happen. Yet.

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.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

no idea tbf, sorry about the negativity
but 6 seasons on the best car out there and 'nothing'. i dont understand

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.

[deephouse]

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.