Toyota Gazoo Racing could be approaching one of the most important decisions in its recent World Rally Championship history. As preparations intensify for the introduction of the new WRC27 regulations, Oliver Solberg has become an increasingly important figure in the manufacturer’s long-term plans. His recent involvement in testing Toyota’s next-generation rally car has added another layer of intrigue to an already complicated driver situation.

Behind the scenes, Toyota is facing a challenge that goes far beyond developing a competitive new machine. The Japanese manufacturer must also determine how to accommodate an increasingly competitive group of drivers, manage the possible return of a two-time world champion, and decide how much responsibility to place on its younger generation.

With Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, Sami Pajari, Takamoto Katsuta, Kalle Rovanperä, Ott Tänak and Sébastien Ogier all connected to different aspects of Toyota’s future, the question is no longer simply who can drive the fastest car. It is about who fits into the manufacturer’s wider strategy for 2027 and beyond.

And although Toyota has yet to officially confirm its complete driver line-up for the new era, the latest developments suggest that its decisions could have consequences extending well beyond a single championship campaign.

Oliver Solberg Emerges as a Central Figure in Toyota’s 2027 Plans

Oliver Solberg’s position within Toyota has changed considerably over the past year. What began as an opportunity to demonstrate his potential in the manufacturer’s machinery has developed into a much more significant chapter in his career.

After establishing himself as one of the leading talents in the WRC2 category, Solberg earned an opportunity to compete at the highest level with Toyota. His impressive performances, combined with his ability to adapt quickly to Rally1 machinery, strengthened the argument that he could become an important part of the team’s future.

His promotion was not simply a reward for past achievements. It represented Toyota’s willingness to invest in younger drivers capable of delivering long-term success.

Now, attention is turning toward the next major challenge: the 2027 WRC regulations.

Solberg has recently been involved in testing Toyota’s next-generation rally car, joining the manufacturer’s development programme as preparations for the new championship era accelerate. These sessions are particularly important because the WRC27 project requires drivers and engineers to establish a competitive balance between performance, reliability and adaptability.

For Solberg, this is another opportunity to demonstrate that his potential extends beyond individual rally victories.

However, his involvement in development testing should not automatically be interpreted as confirmation of a particular contractual decision. Toyota has not publicly announced its complete 2027 driver line-up, and the final allocation of seats remains an important unanswered question.

Nevertheless, having a young driver of Solberg’s profile involved in the development process gives Toyota another valuable perspective when shaping its future competitive package.

Toyota’s Biggest Problem May Not Be the New Rally Car

Toyota’s technical development programme is progressing rapidly, but its driver situation could prove equally complicated.

The manufacturer has enjoyed remarkable success with its current generation of Rally1 machinery. However, the transition to WRC27 will introduce a different competitive environment, forcing every manufacturer and driver to reconsider their approach.

The new regulations are expected to create a more accessible top-level category, with a cost cap of €345,000 and technical architecture based around a tubular safety cell and several Rally2-derived components.

Toyota has already invested considerable resources in preparing its next-generation challenger. The development programme has included multiple prototype evolutions and extensive testing across different surfaces.

According to Toyota technical director Tom Fowler, the manufacturer had completed more than 5,000 kilometres of testing by August 2026. The team had also produced a third evolution of its prototype, representing the specification it intended to submit for homologation.

That progress demonstrates how seriously Toyota is approaching the transition.

But developing a fast car is only one part of the equation.

The manufacturer must ensure that its future drivers can work effectively with the new machinery. Different driving styles, technical feedback and individual expectations can influence the direction of development.

A car designed around one driver’s preferences might not necessarily provide the best overall solution for an entire team.

This is particularly relevant for Toyota, which has several highly competitive drivers with different levels of experience and ambitions.

The challenge is therefore to create a package capable of supporting multiple championship contenders without allowing internal competition to become a distraction.

Kalle Rovanperä’s Possible Return Changes Everything

Perhaps the most significant complication surrounding Toyota’s 2027 plans is the possibility of Kalle Rovanperä returning to the World Rally Championship.

The two-time world champion stepped away from full-time WRC competition to pursue a new challenge in circuit racing. His departure created an opportunity for Solberg to move into Toyota’s Rally1 programme.

However, recent developments have reopened the discussion surrounding Rovanperä’s future.

In October 2026, the Finnish driver was spotted testing Toyota’s WRC27 prototype in Spain and subsequently became involved in further testing activity. His appearance immediately generated questions about whether a return to rallying could be on the horizon.

Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala acknowledged that discussions with Rovanperä were taking place.

The important distinction is that discussions do not represent a confirmed agreement. Toyota still needs to understand what Rovanperä wants from his future career, including whether he would consider a full championship programme or a different arrangement.

Nevertheless, his potential return creates a difficult situation for the manufacturer.

Rovanperä is not an ordinary candidate for a competitive seat. He is a former world champion who already understands Toyota’s working environment and has demonstrated an ability to deliver championship-winning performances.

If he decides to return, Toyota would have to consider how his involvement could fit alongside its existing drivers.

That raises an uncomfortable question: would the manufacturer prioritise the return of an established champion or continue building around the younger generation that has already demonstrated its potential?

For Solberg, the situation creates an interesting competitive environment. His progress has been built around the opportunity to establish himself at the highest level, but the possible arrival of another championship-winning driver could make Toyota’s internal hierarchy more complicated.

There is no evidence that Toyota intends to sacrifice Solberg’s position to accommodate Rovanperä. However, the possibility of a larger and more complicated driver structure cannot be ignored.

Elfyn Evans Has Earned the Right to Lead Toyota

While attention increasingly focuses on Solberg and Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans remains one of the most important pieces of Toyota’s competitive structure.

His experience, consistency and understanding of the manufacturer’s machinery make him an obvious reference point for the team’s future development.

Evans has spent several seasons establishing himself as one of the most dependable drivers in the championship. His ability to collect valuable points, manage difficult rallies and remain competitive across different surfaces has made him a central figure in Toyota’s success.

His 2026 championship triumph has strengthened that position even further.

Together with co-driver Scott Martin, Evans secured the drivers’ and co-drivers’ world titles, giving Toyota another major reason to maintain stability as it enters the new technical era.

The challenge now is to defend that success under completely different regulations.

A new car brings new questions about setup, performance and reliability. Even an experienced champion must adapt, and Toyota cannot assume that its previous competitive advantages will automatically transfer to WRC27.

Evans’ contribution to the development programme is therefore particularly important.

His feedback can help engineers understand how the new car behaves under championship conditions and what improvements are required before the opening round.

At the same time, Toyota must consider how to maintain a competitive environment in which younger drivers can continue developing without undermining the position of its reigning champion.

That balance could become one of the defining elements of the manufacturer’s 2027 strategy.

Sami Pajari and Takamoto Katsuta Add Further Pressure

Toyota’s driver planning becomes even more complicated when Sami Pajari and Takamoto Katsuta are included in the discussion.

Both drivers represent important parts of the manufacturer’s long-term ambitions.

Pajari has demonstrated considerable potential since moving into the top category. His performances have shown that he can compete at a high level, while his development remains an important investment for Toyota.

The Finnish driver also brings a different set of strengths to the team, particularly when it comes to adapting to the technical demands of modern rally cars.

For Toyota, retaining Pajari could be essential to maintaining a strong pipeline of competitive talent.

Katsuta, meanwhile, represents years of investment in the manufacturer’s driver development structure.

His progression through Toyota’s WRC Challenge Program has made him an important figure in the team’s history. His experience and familiarity with the organisation provide additional value beyond individual results.

However, neither driver’s future should be considered officially settled until Toyota announces its plans.

The manufacturer must decide how many cars it intends to field, which drivers will compete in its main championship entries and whether a larger structure would be financially and operationally practical.

That is a particularly important consideration because Toyota may have more potential candidates than immediately available seats.

Ott Tänak’s Role Could Become Another Major Talking Point

Another name adding intrigue to Toyota’s future is Ott Tänak.

The 2019 world champion has been involved in Toyota’s WRC27 development programme in a test and development capacity.

His experience is particularly valuable because he understands what is required to win championships and has previously worked with the manufacturer at the highest level.

Tänak’s technical contribution has attracted attention, especially as Toyota approaches the final stages of preparing its next-generation car.

His testing experience could provide engineers with another important reference point when evaluating the prototype’s behaviour.

However, a development role should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a full-time competitive return.

Toyota has not confirmed that Tänak will occupy a regular driving position in its 2027 championship programme.

Nevertheless, his involvement creates another interesting possibility.

If the manufacturer eventually decides that it needs additional experience within its driver structure, Tänak’s name would naturally attract attention.

His knowledge of different manufacturers, technical systems and championship conditions could make him a valuable asset.

The question is whether his future will remain focused on development or whether another competitive opportunity could emerge.

Until Toyota provides clarification, both possibilities should remain separate from confirmed information.

Could Toyota Run Two Separate Teams in 2027?

One of the most intriguing developments surrounding Toyota’s future is the possibility of expanding its organisational structure.

Latvala has discussed the idea of creating two separate teams, each potentially operating three cars, if Toyota decides to field a sufficiently large number of drivers.

Such an arrangement could provide the manufacturer with greater flexibility.

Instead of attempting to accommodate every driver within one structure, Toyota could potentially divide its operations into separate groups with different competitive responsibilities.

This would also introduce important considerations for the manufacturers’ championship.

Separate team registrations could affect how points are collected and how Toyota organises its competitive resources.

However, this possibility remains under discussion rather than representing a confirmed decision.

Latvala has also indicated that Printsport is not intended to become a second Toyota factory team. Its focus is expected to remain on customer programmes and developing younger talent.

That distinction is important because speculation surrounding a larger Toyota operation has created several different interpretations of how the manufacturer might organise its future entries.

The possibility of two separate teams could offer a solution to the growing number of potential drivers, but it would also introduce new logistical and management challenges.

More cars mean additional personnel, resources, preparation and coordination.

Toyota must therefore determine whether the advantages of a larger operation outweigh the additional demands.

The WRC27 Regulations Could Completely Change the Competitive Balance

Toyota’s driver decisions cannot be separated from the technical revolution approaching the championship.

The introduction of WRC27 represents a major change in the structure of the top category.

The new regulations are designed around a more controlled cost structure, with a €345,000 cost cap and a technical philosophy that incorporates elements derived from Rally2 machinery.

The objective is to create a more sustainable environment while maintaining an attractive level of performance.

For Toyota, the transition represents both an opportunity and a considerable risk.

The manufacturer has already demonstrated its ability to develop competitive machinery under the existing Rally1 regulations. However, previous success does not guarantee an immediate advantage under a completely different technical framework.

This is why the development programme has become so important.

Toyota has been comparing its prototype against the established GR Yaris Rally2, using its own machinery as a performance benchmark.

The objective is clear: the new car must offer the performance required to compete at the highest level while delivering the reliability and consistency expected from a championship-winning manufacturer.

Driver feedback will play a decisive role in achieving that objective.

Solberg, Evans, Pajari, Katsuta and other experienced drivers can provide different perspectives, allowing Toyota to identify weaknesses that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

In this environment, the driver line-up is not simply a question of sporting preference.

It is also a technical decision that could influence the development direction of the entire project.

Why Oliver Solberg’s Position Matters More Than Ever

For Solberg, the approaching WRC27 era could represent the most important opportunity of his professional career.

He has already demonstrated that he can progress through the competitive structure of international rallying, moving from WRC2 success to the highest category with Toyota.

His next challenge is to establish himself consistently among the leading drivers in the championship.

That requires more than speed.

The modern WRC demands exceptional adaptability, technical understanding, tyre management and the ability to deliver under pressure across vastly different rally conditions.

Solberg must continue developing those qualities while competing against drivers with considerably more experience.

At the same time, Toyota needs to decide how much responsibility it wants to place on its younger generation.

The manufacturer’s long-term future could depend on successfully combining established champions with emerging talent.

Solberg fits naturally into that strategy, but the presence of Rovanperä, Tänak and Ogier makes the overall picture considerably more complicated.

The important point is that Solberg’s involvement in testing is a concrete development, whereas claims about a secret contract, a confirmed promotion or an unexpected ultimatum would go beyond the available evidence.

Nevertheless, his position remains one of the most interesting elements of Toyota’s preparations.

The Biggest Question: Who Will Toyota Choose for 2027?

As the 2027 season approaches, Toyota faces several interconnected decisions.

The manufacturer must finalise its new car, establish its technical priorities, determine how many entries it intends to operate and decide which drivers will receive the opportunity to compete.

Evans offers championship-winning experience and continuity.

Solberg represents the next generation of talent and an important long-term investment.

Pajari provides further potential and a developing competitive profile.

Katsuta remains an established member of the Toyota structure.

Rovanperä represents the possibility of bringing a two-time world champion back into the championship.

Tänak offers considerable technical experience through his development involvement, while Ogier’s future programme remains another variable.

There is no shortage of options.

But that is precisely what makes Toyota’s situation so interesting.

Having several competitive drivers is normally considered a major advantage. However, when the number of available seats is limited, an abundance of talent can create difficult decisions.

The manufacturer must avoid creating unnecessary uncertainty while ensuring that its strongest possible combination is ready for the new technical era.

Every decision will carry consequences.

A larger driver programme could provide additional flexibility, but it could also increase operational complexity. Prioritising experienced champions could deliver immediate benefits, while investing in younger drivers might offer greater long-term stability.

Toyota must find a solution that serves both objectives.

Toyota’s 2027 Future Is Still an Open Battle

Oliver Solberg’s latest involvement in Toyota’s development programme has added another important dimension to the growing discussion surrounding the manufacturer’s future.

However, the biggest story is not simply whether Solberg will secure a particular position.

It is the fact that Toyota is preparing for a new championship era while managing one of the most competitive collections of driver talent in the WRC.

The potential return of Kalle Rovanperä, the experience of Elfyn Evans, the development of Sami Pajari, the continued presence of Takamoto Katsuta and Ott Tänak’s technical contribution all make the situation increasingly fascinating.

Toyota has the machinery project, the resources and the drivers to remain a major force under the WRC27 regulations.

What remains uncertain is how the manufacturer intends to bring all those elements together.