Ott Tanak Joins Toyota as Test Driver for the 2027 WRC Car Development
In an exciting development that has captured the attention of the motorsport community, Ott Tanak, the 2019 World Rally Champion, has taken on the role of test driver for Toyota. This strategic move aims to support the renowned automaker in developing its all-new car for the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC), which will adhere to revolutionary new technical regulations set to take effect next year.
Since the cessation of his full-time driving career after the Rally Japan in November last year, Tanak has been a much-discussed figure in the world of rallying. His sabbatical left a void in the competitive landscape of the WRC, but his recent announcement to return to the sport in a testing capacity has added a fresh wave of enthusiasm. It marks a new chapter for both Tanak and Toyota, setting the stage for what many expect to be an exciting evolution in rally car performance.
The Journey of Development
The news of Tanak’s involvement emerged through Dirtfish and was subsequently confirmed by Toyota to Motorsport.com. Toyota’s current project involves rigorous testing of its 2027 WRC prototype, a venture that has already surpassed 2,000 kilometers across various terrains, including asphalt, snow, and gravel. Initially, the testing duties fell to experienced drivers like Juho Hanninen, Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari. However, with Tanak’s wealth of experience and competitive edge, his contribution is anticipated to be invaluable in refining the car’s performance.
Toyota is currently the only mainstream automotive manufacturer actively working on a new vehicle that satisfies the forthcoming WRC technical regulations, which represent a significant shift in the rallying framework. This advancement includes a €345,000 cost cap and a design primarily based on the existing Rally2 cars but with substantial modifications such as a double wishbone suspension system.
A Glimpse into the Future: The 2027 Prototype
Imagery and videos showcasing the testing of the 2027 prototype have proliferated on social media, sparking widespread speculation regarding the vehicle’s final design. The prototype has a markedly different silhouette compared to Toyota’s current GR Yaris Rally1, leading to questions about which model will be vying for victory in the 2027 season.
Despite the buzz, Toyota has maintained a discreet position regarding the car’s identity. Kevin Struyf, Toyota’s head of engineering, has referred to the vehicle as merely a “prototype” as the team approaches the completion of their design. Struyf elaborated, stating, “In 2027, the regulation changed for the first time in rally where the body is quite open, so the choice of the manufacturer is not really clear where we want to go, so it’s just a base mule car, a prototype car.”
The excitement surrounding the prototype is palpable, yet Struyf cautions fans and analysts against jumping to conclusions about the model’s identity, affirming that “There is nothing about any model at the moment, it’s just a prototype.”
The Road Ahead: Continued Development and Testing
As development moves forward, Tanak’s role as a test driver will be pivotal in gathering data and suggestions that will guide further improvements to the prototype. Struyf has indicated that another chassis is already under construction, and will be integrated into upcoming tests. He emphasized the evolving nature of the development process due to some initial technical uncertainties presented by the FIA.
Toyota has been conducting comparative assessments of its prototype against the GR Yaris Rally2, indicating that while the prototype aligns closely with current specifications, there is still ample room for enhancement. Struyf noted, “It’s a different Rally2 car with a bit different dimensions and different suspension, which is one of the main topics of 2027.” This reflects Toyota’s commitment to meet – and indeed exceed – the benchmarks set by existing models.
Conclusion: A New Era in WRC
With Ott Tanak back in the cockpit, albeit in a different capacity, and the promising direction of Toyota’s development for the 2027 WRC vehicle, the rallying world stands at the brink of an exhilarating new era. As the regulations evolve, so too will the strategies and technologies that teams employ to secure victory in one of motorsport’s most prestigious arenas.
The anticipation surrounding both Tanak’s return and the forthcoming vehicle development has intensified among fans and competitors alike. The rallying community will undoubtedly be watching closely as Toyota leverages its rich history and innovation to redefine what is possible in the WRC landscape. Tanak’s experience, combined with Toyota’s engineering prowess, may very well set a new precedent for success in the years to come.
Stay tuned as we follow this thrilling journey, and prepare for the onset of a new chapter in the World Rally Championship saga.