WRC Testing

**macebig** · 18th April 2026, 15:34

Maybe it's a sign that Toyota is starting to rethink Oliver's signing? They obviously didn't trust Elfyn to lead them, Kale is not coming back anytime soon and Ogier is gonna be 45 next year and more than likely hang it up for good... So, the only reason to approach Tanak is not being fully confident in Oliver's ability to lead the team into the new regulations...

**WRCStan** · 18th April 2026, 15:57

Originally Posted by macebig

Maybe it's a sign

I have a Stop sign for you.

**trykmann** · 18th April 2026, 16:25

There has to be somekind of future commitment between Tänak and Toyota.

Tänak is one of the best development drivers and compared to current Toyota drivers has also the time to actually do all the testing. Other drivers have to drive all the rallies and do testing before each event. They just don't have enough time to drive all these necessary kilometerers. But still Toyota wouldn't give their new car to someone for testing, if he isn't signed with somekind of contract. Otherwise any other manufacturer could hire him and use all the knowledge he has about Toyota.

**WRCStan** · 18th April 2026, 19:11

Maybe Hanninen will drive next year too.

Maybe it's a sign RedGrey will build a body onto a Gazoo chassis.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 19th April 2026, 09:51

Tanak in for Ogier retiring I reckon.

And that Toyota prototype wouldnt exactly inspire him to keep going.

**Rallyper** · 20th April 2026, 07:17

From what I heard (from my finnish friend and what he read in media) Toyota wrc27 cars might be managed from private teams. Two of them... one from Estonia.