Pajari promoted as Toyota reveals 2025 WRC roster

Toyota GAZOO Racing has announced its driver line-up for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), making them the first team to confirm their full roster. This comes just one day after securing a fourth consecutive manufacturers’ title. The Japanese team aims to defend their manufacturers’ crown and fight for both the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles. They will field four cars with drivers Sami Pajari, Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta. In addition, Sébastien Ogier, an eight-time world champion, will compete in selected events in a GR Yaris Rally1.

The management structure within Toyota is also evolving. Juha Kankkunen, a four-time world champion, will step into a new role as deputy to team principal Jari-Matti Latvala.

Pajari Earns Full-Time Promotion After Dominant WRC2 Season

Sami Pajari, the 22-year-old Finnish driver, has been promoted to a full-time Rally1 program following his dominant performance in the WRC2 championship. Pajari sealed the title at FORUM8 Rally Japan, continuing his impressive rise in the sport. Despite only competing in three rounds of the Rally1 this year, Pajari’s performance was notable, including a stage win and a fourth-place finish at Secto Rally Finland.

Reflecting on his promotion, Pajari expressed his excitement, saying, “This is a dream come true for me, and I’m really grateful to Toyota GAZOO Racing for this amazing opportunity.” He also acknowledged the hard work ahead, emphasizing the challenge of learning and striving for good results in the future.

Pajari will be parting ways with his current co-driver, Enni Mälkönen, though a replacement has not been announced.

Rovanperä, Evans, and Katsuta Ready for 2025 Challenge

Kalle Rovanperä, the 2022 and 2023 WRC Drivers’ Champion, returns to a full-time program after a shortened 2024 season. The 24-year-old Finnish driver secured four victories from seven starts this year. Rovanperä is motivated for the 2025 season and aims for a third world title. He said, “I’m really excited to be back for the full season and push for the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles again.”

Elfyn Evans, who is entering his sixth consecutive season with Toyota, will continue alongside co-driver Scott Martin. Evans, who secured second place in the 2024 standings, is aiming for further success after a mixed year. “I know there’s still a lot of potential in the team,” said Evans, “and I feel I have plenty more to give.”

Takamoto Katsuta, after a pivotal role in helping Toyota secure the 2024 manufacturers’ championship, will return for 2025. Katsuta’s performances, including a Super Sunday maximum score at the Central European Rally, were key to Toyota’s success. With growing confidence, he aims to push for more podiums in 2025, saying, “If everything goes well, I’m sure I can fight for more podiums.”

Ogier Returns with Limited Schedule

Sébastien Ogier, who will compete on a partial schedule again in 2025, continues to bring unmatched experience to Toyota. The eight-time world champion said, “It’s really exciting to remain with Toyota GAZOO Racing for 2025. My main goal is to support the team in the manufacturers’ championship in a limited program, and hopefully, we can reclaim all three titles.”

With the 2025 WRC season now taking shape, Toyota GAZOO Racing is poised to defend its dominance in the championship while continuing to nurture young talent like Sami Pajari alongside seasoned drivers like Ogier and Rovanperä. The team is ready for another thrilling year on the World Rally Championship circuit.