The 2025 World Rally Championship season kicks off in just over a week. Meaning it’s a good time to preview some things about the upcoming season. This article will preview the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT.
Kalle Rovanperä – Full-Time
The two-time world champion will return to action full-time this season. Rovanperä took one year off of full-time driving in the WRC to take a break and explore some other motorsport disciplines. Rovanperä is the favourite to win the championship this season as he is the fastest driver in the championship.
Elfyn Evans – Full-Time
Evans had a disappointing 2024 season. As the Welshman didn’t win an event all season long until Rally Japan when it was too late. Evans will slot back into the number two driver role for the Japanese team. Evans may be on the chopping block if he doesn’t get back to where he was in 2023.
Takamoto Katsuta – Full-Time
Takamoto Katsuta had arguably the most disappointing season in 2024. As the Japanese driver only had one podium and only scored points in 7 of the 13 rounds. Katsuta will need to have a better 2025 season if he wants to remain on the team. There were already doubts he’d have a seat this upcoming season on the team. However, Toyota elected to give him another chance. Katsuta should have less pressure this season as he won’t score Manufacturer’s points at every event.
Sami Pajari – Full-Time
Pajari has the chance to be the talk of the season. Pajari finished 4th at his home event of Rally Finland, which was his first event in the car. He later did Rally Chile Bio Bio and the Central European Rally. He finished 6th in Chile and retired at the Central European Rally. Pajari will score manufacturers’ points at every event. However, this will be under the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT2 manufacturer, not the main Toyota team.
Sebastien Ogier – Part-Time
Sebastien Ogier will go back to a part-time schedule for the 2025 season after contesting all but 3 events in 2024. Ogier will be the ace in Toyota’s sleeve all season long, as he has been in past seasons.