Toyota Gazoo Racing is preparing for a crucial announcement regarding its driver line-up for the 2027 World Rally Championship season, with the team expected to reveal its plans in early November.
The driver line-up is expected to attract considerable attention, with Toyota facing important decisions regarding its experienced stars and emerging talents. Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta, Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg are among the drivers associated with Toyota’s recent Rally1 programme, while the future of two-time world champion Kalle Rovanperä remains another major talking point. Ott Tänak could also be a name to watch as the driver market takes shape ahead of 2027, although no move linking the Estonian to Toyota has been confirmed. With several questions still surrounding the future line-ups, Toyota’s upcoming announcement is expected to provide greater clarity about its plans.
However, the driver announcement is not the only major talking point surrounding Toyota’s preparations. Speculation about the identity of its next-generation rally car has intensified following reports of a new, heavily camouflaged coupé prototype undergoing testing in Europe. Its distinctive two-door bodywork has fuelled rumours that Toyota could revive the legendary Celica name for its 2027 WRC challenger, potentially marking a major change from the GR Yaris Rally1 that has led the manufacturer’s recent campaigns.
The Celica name carries significant historical importance for Toyota, having enjoyed considerable success in the World Rally Championship during the 1990s. A return to the sport’s highest level would represent a connection between the manufacturer’s rallying heritage and its future competition programme. Nevertheless, Toyota has yet to officially confirm the name of its new WRC27 car, meaning the link between the prototype and a future Celica remains speculative.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Toyota’s 2027 WRC programme is whether the Japanese manufacturer could compete with both the Celica and the GR Yaris. While rumours have linked Toyota’s next-generation WRC27 challenger to the return of the iconic Celica name, the possibility of the Yaris continuing to play a role in the team’s rally activities has also attracted attention. Toyota could potentially use the two models in different capacities, depending on its final technical and sporting strategy. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding the use of both cars in the 2027 season, with further details expected to emerge as the manufacturer finalises its plans.
The introduction of the WRC27 regulations will bring a significant technical challenge for all competing manufacturers. The new framework features a tubular spaceframe chassis and aims to reduce costs while creating opportunities for a broader range of constructors to enter the championship. Toyota’s ability to adapt quickly to these changes could prove decisive in maintaining its competitive advantage.
With the 2027 season approaching, Toyota’s expected announcement in early November could provide the first major indication of how the team intends to approach this transition. The combination of potential driver-market changes and speculation surrounding a new Celica-inspired rally car makes the coming weeks particularly important for the Japanese manufacturer.
Photo Credits: Toyota
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