The Spanish publication Revista Scratch reports that Meeke is close to signing a deal to compete in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship for the 2025 season. According to the site, the Northern Irishman is set to accept an offer from Toyota, which would see him return to competing at the World Championship level after a long break.
Meeke last drove for a factory team in the World Championship during the 2019 season. His year with Toyota yielded just one podium finish, when he took second place in the Rally Germany. In the overall standings, Meeke finished sixth that season.
The veteran driver took a few years off following the end of his WRC career, participating in only three rallies between 2020 and 2022. However, in 2023, Meeke replaced the late Craig Breen, who tragically passed away during pre-event testing for the Croatian WRC event, in the Portuguese rally series.
In Portugal, Meeke has competed behind the wheel of a Hyundai and has been in a class of his own. In 2023, he won three events in the championship, and this year, he secured victory in four rallies. Third place in the Vidreiro Rally a couple of weeks ago confirmed Meeke as the champion of the Portuguese series, although he could not be officially declared the champion due to the country’s legislation.
Read more: Kris Meeke conquered the Portugal crown – the law takes away the championship
In total, Meeke has competed in 106 World Championship events. He has secured five victories and a total of 13 podium finishes. The Northern Irishman claimed his last win in Catalonia during the 2017 season.
