Nominally, Kankkunen shared the role with Jari-Matti Latvala, but due to Latvala’s driving commitments, Kankkunen was present at the majority of the rallies. Toyota secured its fifth consecutive manufacturers’ title already in October in Central Europe, but the drivers’ world championship was decided at the weekend in Saudi Arabia.
Sebastien Ogier celebrated on Saturday the ninth world title of his career. In the end, the gap to his team-mate Elfyn Evans in the title fight was only four points. Having finished third in the event, Ogier was forced to sweat until the very end, as the final outcome was settled only on the Power Stage that concluded the rally.
“This was an incredibly close fight between Seb and Elfyn that went right down to the last stage of the last rally of the season. I think Seb has shown that he is the best driver in the world at the moment, and maybe even of all time: he has equalled the record by winning a ninth title, and he’s done it with three different manufacturers,” Kankkunen praised.
“I also won with three teams – but I only won four titles! What Seb has done, I keep him let’s say top of the ranking in the world. He has won nine titles and three different manufacturers. I mean that means that you are overall the best driver in the world in my mind anyway.”
Kankkunen also gave huge praise to Evans. The Welshman drove a faultless season, but perhaps that final “tiger’s eye” was once again missing. Evans took two wins, while Ogier, who skipped three rallies, claimed six.
“Elfyn has done a fantastic job as well. He didn’t make any mistakes, he had to be first car on the road for most of the season and he was so consistent, and it will be great to have him with us and trying to go for it again next year,” Kankkunen summed up.
The third driver who fought for this season’s title, Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä, will instead leave the discipline and focus on circuit racing in the future. Kankkunen, however, is not particularly worried, as more young talents are rising through Toyota’s ranks.
“Kalle also tried his best even though it wasn’t really in his hands this time. We will miss him, but we look forward to following his new challenge, and with fast youngsters like Sami and Oliver coming through, I’m sure we can have another strong season in 2026,” Kankkunen tells.
