will increase its presence in to five cars in some tests in 2025 after confirmation that will join the team.
After spectacularly winning the WRC manufacturers' title at Rally Japan, Toyota revealed its plans for 2025which include the arrival of the four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen as deputy team leader.
Pajari will join a crew led by the full-time return of the two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera after moving part-time this year.
Elfyn Evanswinner of Rally Japan and championship runner-up this year, will return for a sixth season with the team, alongside Takamoto Katsuta. The eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier He will continue with the team to compete part-time.
HAS Pajari had been tipped for promotion to Rally1 after impressing in his three GR Yaris Rally1 outings this year, as well as his ability to take a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to the WRC2 championship.
Podium: Winners Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, seconds Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo: Toyota Racing
The 22-year-old Finn finished fourth on his debut in Finland, where he took his first stage victory, sixth in Chile and sixth in Central Europe before dropping out on the final day.
“This is a dream come true for me and I am very grateful to Toyota Gazoo Racing and the team for giving me this incredible opportunity,” said Pajari, who will be guided by a yet-to-be-confirmed co-driver next year . . to announce the end of his relationship with Enni Malkonen after the Rally of Japan.
“Many important people have also helped me and made this possible. It has been an incredible year for us with the GR Yaris Rally2 and during our first tests with the Rally1 car, and although we have now reached the goal which we aspired to, I also know that this is where the hard work really begins to learn and push for good results in the future.
The team leader, Jari-Matti LatvalaHe added: “We are very happy to continue with the same drivers who have performed excellently in recent seasons, and to have more drivers to strengthen our team for the entire championship.”
“Sami has made great progress this year and we are confident that he is ready to reach the highest level,” he said.
After taking four of Toyota's eight victories this year in its partial season, Rovanpera says he is motivated to fight again for a third world title.
“This year was quite different for me, I drove several different cars and still won a few rallies at the same time,” Rovnapera said. “It's been a good year, but it's also given me a lot of motivation to come back for a full season, to fight with Jonne for the driver and co-driver titles and to do everything possible with the team to win . as well as the constructors' championship.
Ogier expected to run a more traditional part-time campaign next yearafter having played 10 of the 13 events in 2024, with three victories (Croatia, Portugal and Finland).
“We have had five fantastic seasons with many victories and successes, and I look forward to continuing this story,” Ogier said. “Once again, my main goal is to support the team in the constructors' championship with a partial program, and hopefully we can reclaim all three titles,” he added.
Juha Kankkunen, Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Gazoo Racing team leader.
Photo: Toyota Racing
WRC legend Kankkunen gets new role
Toyota has confirmed that Latvala will retain his role as team principal, although he will combine this with the FIA European Historic Rally Championship driving his own Toyota Celica ST185 in Toyota factory livery.
As a result, the former Toyota factory driver and brand ambassador, Kankkunen, will be the deputy team leader to help in the operation.
“It is a great pleasure for me to take on this role within the team,” said Kankkunen.
“During my career I have driven with many different teams, but in total I spent nine years at Toyota: they were the first manufacturer that gave me a chance in the WRC, and I think that is probably the best team in the world. There are some very good things and the cooperation has always been excellent between Europe and Japan. This team spirit and teamwork is very important and everyone works. together.
“I am very excited to work more closely with them and help the team in any way I can.” he concluded.
