Oliver Solberg says he is excited to be part of Toyota’s return to the Celica name in the World Rally Championship, after being selected to drive the new factory GR Celica Rally1 in 2027. Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari will also pilot the model under the Toyota Racing banner.
Toyota announced plans to revive the Celica on Tuesday. The marque enjoyed success in the WRC during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, including manufacturers’ titles in 1993 and 1994. Carlos Sainz won drivers’ championships in a Celica in 1990 and 1992, followed by Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol in 1993 and 1994.
Toyota’s expanded six-car effort will be divided between two teams and two models. The Celica will face a GR Yaris driven by Ott Tanak, Kalle Rovanpera and Takamoto Katsuta. The cars will be mechanically identical beneath their body shells.
Solberg said he only learned he would drive the Celica at the car’s launch. The choice also has a family connection: his father made his WRC debut in a Celica in 1998. Solberg described the plan to field drivers in different models as a distinctive approach and said he expects a fierce rivalry among the team’s full-time and part-time competitors.
The 2027 plans come after Solberg’s first season in Rally1 ended in a painful title defeat. He went off the road two corners from the finish of the final stage in Sardinia, missing the chance to become world champion. Solberg said the loss still hurts, but added that he is proud of the season and the fight he put up.
He also said the dramatic finish brought attention to rallying, with messages from people around the world, including athletes from and beyond motorsport. Solberg believes the championship should build on that interest, particularly as Toyota invests in its future.
Solberg said his ambition to win the WRC title remains strong. He believes the experience gained through the season, including its highs and lows, gives him a foundation to build on in 2027. 申博
Sources: Autosport.