Silly Season 2026

[focus206]

*Toyota: Evans out- Solberg in.

No way they'll get rid of a driver who led the championship until now.

[bandit12]

No way they'll get rid of a driver who led the championship until now.

They can't drop Pajari too - bad publicity.

[focus206]

They can't drop Pajari too - bad publicity.

Unless we get unlikely surprises (Ogier decides to retire, Kalle not doing full time because he doesn't like the car/tyres), I wonder if Monster or some other sponsor can help Toyota field +1 car for Solberg, while keeping all current drivers.

[trykmann]

They can't drop Pajari too - bad publicity.

Downgrade to Rally2 wouldn't be such a bad decision. Afterall they also want to compete for the Rally2 title in 2026. Currently they only have Solberg, who is able to potentially win the title.

About M-Sport. McErlean I understand has already done enough to keep his funding for next year. Unfortunately based on the current results I think it is difficult for Munster and Sesks to keep their sponsors for 2026. Maybe we will find them in a more competitive Rally2 machinery.

Also we should consider current Rally2 drivers, who maybe are able to do the next step. Rossel would be a good option for Rally1.

Hyundai probably will stay the same, but they could be in talks with drivers, whose contracts will end in 2025. For the manufacturers title Evans could be a more reliable option than Fourmaux.

[saco0o]

did hyundai confirmed they are staying? there was some talks about someone operating the team as a costumer squad, no? it came from belge this talk.
there was some smaaaall talk about rally1s being scrapped for 26 because 'hyundai were to leave and msport was broke $".

nothing on this? am i late on the infos?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kankkunen says Ogier will do some rallies in 2026 and then retire as he wont want to drive the new '27 Cars.

[AndyRAC]

They can't drop Pajari too - bad publicity.

Bad publicity dropping Pajari. Why? Where?? Oh let me guess, in Finland....... laughable....

[Morte66]

pfft

[bandit12]

Bad publicity dropping Pajari. Why? Where?? Oh let me guess, in Finland....... laughable....

Well. This is still sort on finland based team.

[CeskyOndra]

Well.
*Hyunday remains as it is.
*Toyota: Evans out- Solberg in.
*M Sport: Evans plus McErlean.

Evans to M-Sport is every year's wish and it will never happen.