With Sami Pajari’s imminent return to Toyota’s factory team just days away, one burning question is dominating the Rally Chile paddock: how will Jari-Matti Latvala make the math work with five drivers and only four cars?
Toyota’s 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) line-up is now under intense scrutiny as the season winds down. As reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä prepares for a full-time return and Elfyn Evans gears up for his sixth season with the team, the spotlight shifts to the futures of Sébastien Ogier, Pajari, and Takamoto Katsuta.
Ogier, as a semi-retired legend, has the luxury of dictating how many rounds he wants to contest next year. Meanwhile, the youthful Pajari, who replaces Katsuta in Chile, represents Toyota’s long-term future, but what does this mean for Katsuta, who has been a full-time driver since 2022?
Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala weighed in on the situation, acknowledging Toyota’s commitment to nurturing young talent: “We are focusing on the future with this young driver program,” Latvala said. “Sami fits that profile well. But we also know Taka has speed and potential. We want to find the right solution for both of them.”
The challenge, of course, is balancing the line-up. Toyota has historically juggled its roster with a satellite team arrangement, previously utilized by the likes of Latvala and Juho Hänninen. Could this be an option for 2025?
One team insider hinted at the possibility of running a fifth car under such a structure. “Toyota could run five cars, but it might make more sense to have one or two in a satellite team alongside the main factory effort,” they said. “The team is also considering all possibilities, including a move to WRC2 for one of the drivers.”
Although it’s difficult to envision Katsuta stepping back to WRC2, logistical complexities could force Toyota to make tough decisions. A scenario where Pajari gains experience in a Rally2 car rather than sitting out could also be on the table.
The next two or three rallies will be crucial as Toyota gathers data before finalizing its 2025 line-up. With Pajari’s rising stock and Katsuta’s proven speed, Latvala and the team are facing some of their toughest decisions yet as they look to balance their future ambitions with current realities.
Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the battle for seats at Toyota is far from over. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both Pajari and Katsuta fight to solidify their places in the WRC’s top tier.
