Tänak's testing mileage makes him 2027 WRC title contender

Ott Tänak has completed more mileage in Toyota's new Rally1 car than any of his 2027 team-mates through his test and development role. Tänak will drive a GR Yaris Rally1 for Gazoo Racing Toyota next year, alongside Takamoto Katsuta and Kalle Rovanperä, who will run a partial campaign.

Toyota is also fielding a second team, Toyota Racing, with Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari driving the GR Celica Rally1. Tänak's only competitive outing this season was Overmountain Rally Tennessee in America, and he acknowledged it will take effort to regain his rhythm. Many see his greater knowledge of the car as a decisive factor, though the other full-time drivers have competed throughout this season.

Tänak said his sabbatical from the WRC in 2026 has left him motivated, and he admitted that stage competition was what he missed most.