Toyota WRC boss Tommi Makinen has stated that, there will be no Sebastien Loeb or Petter Solberg in their 2017 driver lineup. In fact they a...
Toyota WRC boss Tommi Makinen has stated that, there will be no Sebastien Loeb or Petter Solberg in their 2017 driver lineup. In fact they are looking at some young talents to driver the new Yaris WRC car. He said Toyota is focusing on the future of rallying and wants young talented drivers to shine in the top tier of the sports.
Speaking to Finnish media channel YLE, four time world champion commented on the rumors about Loeb or Solberg getting a seat in Toyota for 2017. He also said that it will be great if Sebastien Ogier joins the squad, but its not possible as he is already committed to Volkswagen so no point in negotiating with him.
When asked why cant the experienced drivers get a drive for next season, Makinen said that, Toyota is looking into the future and not just about one season. They are looking for young and talented drivers. He further added Esapekka Lappi is one among them and he can be considered as an option for 2017. But currently Lappi has other agreements at the moment. He also said that Toyota test driver Juho Hanninen may also get a seat for 2017.
On asked about future palns, he revealed that Mikko Hirvonen will be testing the car, not only that Makinen wanted Hirvonen as a factory driver for next season but Hirvonen was not interested in that. Makinen also said that at present they are focusing on improving cars performance, although he denied to reveal much about the car. On being asked weather they will field two or three cars next season, he said they are not sure about that as it will be their first season in modern WRC.
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