Another interesting point in Hyundai’s announcement is that Solberg will do only recce and PR activities in Japan (whereas he was supposed to do the rallye normally).
They could put Sordo to maximize the result but, if the new driver is not a current manufacturer driver, it could be even more worthy to make him drive in Japan to get some habits.
As the publication of the entry list is very soon, it may explain why the announcement of splitting with Solberg has been done now and we may have the name of his replacement very soon.
When do they publish the entry list? is it 3 weeks prior? 4?
I have not seen the full line up of drivers for the 2026 NZ Toyota single seater series. Starts next weekend.
https://www.toyota.co.nz/toyota-racing/castrol-toyota-fr-oceania/calendar-results/
...
Some rumours says so, january 9th.2026 we get some news, maybe just in the US, hopefully the rumoured Petter Solberg Subaru WRT from 2027.
Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk
IIRC, @KiwiWRCfan once said they were housemates. Not been able to verify that myself.
Edit: verified - https://www.politico.eu/article/profile-rallying-to-a-new-cause-ari-vatanen/
I have not seen the full line up of drivers for the 2026 NZ Toyota single seater series. Starts next weekend. https://www.toyota.co.nz/toyota-racing/castrol-toyota-fr-oceania/calendar-results/ ...
Formula Regional - NZ 2026.