What "extension deal"? He signed for two years already in 2018. Only thing is that after Finland he confirmed he was staying for next year among speculations.
I remember reading at the time it was a 1+1 deal, but I won’t bother to check as it was already told by Ogier, Budar and Jackson that they will run together next year.
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...
Next year looks like...
(Factory) GR Yaris WRC27 vs
(Factory) Lancia Rally2; Hyundia Rally2; M-Sport Fiesta Rally2 vs
(Customer Teams) GR Yaris Rally2; Skoda Rally2; Citroen Rally2
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/
WRC mainclass from 2027