Silly Season 2026

[BobJones]

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?

Agreed, this is the key point - I suspect Solberg goes straight to the first team, and Katsuta drives alongside Sami in the 'b-team', apart from on rallies where Ogier skips.

[Morte66]

Agreed, this is the key point - I suspect Solberg goes straight to the first team, and Katsuta drives alongside Sami in the 'b-team', apart from on rallies where Ogier skips.

I think they'll have to be a little careful over eligibility, so their 4th driver can remain eligible to drive for manu points in the main team if there's an injury/illness in the top three. I think if you drive for manu points in the second team, that stops you doing it in the first team for the rest of the season.

I assume Evans and Ogier (when entered) will always be nominated for manu points, but it'll be interesting to see who else. I expect the de facto "#3" driver will be whoever else is nominated for manu points at Monte. And whoever they additionally nominate in Sweden (assuming Ogier skips it) will be #4.