Oliver Solberg Joins Toyota’s Historic Celica Revival for 2027 WRC
Toyota expands WRC effort with dual-car strategy featuring the iconic Celica brand.
1Toyota Revives Iconic Celica
Toyota is bringing back the legendary Celica brand to the World Rally Championship for the 2027 season. This move honors the manufacturer's successful history in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The Celica previously secured multiple manufacturers' crowns and drivers' titles for legends like Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol during those decades.
2Solberg Joins Factory Effort
Oliver Solberg has been named as one of the three drivers for the new factory Toyota GR Celica Rally1 car. He will share the team with defending world champion Elfyn Evans and Sami Pajari. This opportunity holds personal significance for Solberg, as his father made his WRC debut in 1998 driving a Celica.
3Bold Dual-Car Strategy
Toyota is implementing a unique strategy by splitting its expanded six-car WRC effort into two distinct teams. While the Celica and the GR Yaris will feature different body shells, they will remain identical underneath. This approach allows Toyota to market two different legacy brands simultaneously while maintaining a competitive edge against rival manufacturers.
4Internal Team Rivalry
The new lineup creates an intense internal rivalry within the Toyota Racing structure. The Celica team will compete directly against the GR Yaris squad, which includes Ott Tanak, Kalle Rovanpera, and Takamoto Katsuta. Solberg believes this unique setup is a creative way to generate more interest and marketing opportunities for the sport.
5Overcoming Title Heartbreak
Solberg is currently moving past the disappointment of losing this year's world championship title just two corners from the finish line in Sardinia. Despite the sting of the final stage exit, he remains proud of his maiden Rally1 season. He views the dramatic climax as a vital moment that significantly boosted the championship's profile.
6Viral Moment Impact
The dramatic season finale went viral on social media, drawing global attention from athletes outside of motorsport. Solberg believes this exposure is essential for the sport's growth. He emphasizes that the massive influx of messages and public curiosity proves the need for such unique, high-stakes moments to elevate rallying to the next level.
7Hunger for Future Success
Looking toward 2027, Solberg expresses a renewed hunger to claim the WRC title. He credits the lessons learned from both the high and low moments of the past season for his current confidence. With the significant investment Toyota is making in the future, he feels prepared to build on his experience and potential.
8Strategic Industry Outlook
Toyota’s decision to run two different car models marks a departure from traditional manufacturer approaches in the WRC. By leveraging the Celica's historical legacy alongside the modern GR Yaris, the team aims to maximize its brand presence. This strategy underscores a broader commitment to innovation and fan engagement within the competitive rally racing landscape.
Original article: Autosport — Oliver Solberg Joins Toyota’s Historic Celica Revival for 2027 WRC