The R5 has been rumored about for a long time and Mäkinen confirmed it was coming at some point. One would think that anything Tommi does confirm must be almost ready to race but I'm not so sure about it in this case. One thing's for sure: Latvala is way too good to be competing in any of the R5's and I think he knows it himself as well.
Not only is he far too good for the lower tiers, his driving style wouldn't fit in with the cleaner R5s, and it would be a disgrace for his objectively monumental career to fizzle out in WRC2.
The current entry fees, as stated in Appenxix VI of "2026 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – SPORTING REGULATIONS" are:
WRC Manufacturer € 441 352 - for a 2 or 3 car team with P1 status
WRC Team ...
Some interesting insights from Project Rally One...
https://www.wrcwings.tech/2026/02/02/what-a-tuner-built-wrc27-car-will-look-like-prospeeds-rally-one/
I think Toyota wants a challenge and they probably being the only one ready with WRC27 car in time, I think they will seriously think what car they will run against others. Of course they want to...
What's the barriers to entry and incentive for the teams? Just because the top class in combined, it doesn't mean a championship will be open and accessible to every team.
In a combined...
The current entry fees, as stated in Appenxix VI of "2026 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – SPORTING REGULATIONS" are: WRC Manufacturer € 441 352 - for a 2 or 3 car team with P1 status WRC Team ...
WRC mainclass from 2027