Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT announced that Vincent Landais will be at the co-driver seat of Sebastien Ogier for the season finale in Japan in two weeks as Benjamin Veillas will part ways with the last one after their latest win.
Vincent Landais was co-driving Pierre-Louis Loubet at M-Sport Ford this year, but he will be alongside the eight-time World Rally Champion at Rally Japan, while it must be mentioned that he was member of Ogier's gravel crew at Rallye Monte Carlo last January.
Benjamin Veillas was also member of Ogier's gravel crew the last years and had the chance to join the Toyota driver in 2022 after Julien Ingrassia's retirement at the end of 2021. The pair took part in five rallies so far this season and claimed the first win together at Rally Spain last week.
"Firstly I want to say thank you to Benjamin for his hard work and application during our programme of rallies this year, and it was a special moment to share our first victory together in Spain", Ogier said.
"Now that the team has secured all three championships and the main targets for the season have been achieved, we would of course like to finish on a high at the home rally for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in Japan.
"But this final round is also a chance to prepare and evaluate some things for the future and to give an opportunity to Vincent, who is a talented and motivated young co-driver.
"He has been working with us in our gravel crew and after this nice experience I am excited to compete in our first rally together and to see how it works out".
On the other hand, Landais said: "It will be a big honour to join Seb and the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team for Rally Japan. Seb and Julien have been like role models for every French driver and co-driver, so this is a great opportunity and one that I’m very proud of.
"Julien has been helping me a lot during my career, and I already had the chance to work with Seb as part of his gravel crew in Monte Carlo this year.
"Japan will be a big challenge with a lot to learn but I will focus on doing my best as always and try to make the most of this chance.
"Finally I would like to thank M-Sport, Pierre-Louis Loubet and his sponsors for this season and the good results we could do together".
Finally, Veillas stated: "It has been an incredible experience for me to compete together with Seb this season.
"To be able to win a WRC rally in Spain was a dream come true for me, and I’m also proud to have been part of such a successful season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
"It has not been easy for me to step into this role, one which brings a lot of pressure and long hours during the week of a rally.
"The decision to give an opportunity to a young and talented co-driver for Rally Japan is therefore one that I completely understand and which I fully support.
"I would like to thank Seb and the team for their help and support this season and wish them together with Vincent the best of luck in Japan".
Photo Credits: M-Sport
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