The Japanese manufacturer unveiled its 2026 World Rally Championship line-up on Monday, while also confirming big news regarding its development programme for emerging talent.
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Japanese drivers Yuki Yamamoto, Shotaro Goto and Takumi Matsushita will compete next season in Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 cars, including selected events in the WRC2 category.
Until now, only Japanese drivers have been part of Toyota’s Challenge Programme. But for the first time, a young driver from outside Japan has been included.
Toyota confirmed that Estonian youngster Jaspar Vaher will join the programme for the 2026 season. The 18-year-old competed this year in a front-wheel-drive Lancia Rally4 in events including the Junior ERC.
Next year, Vaher will step up to Toyota’s four-wheel-drive Rally2 car. His schedule will feature selected rounds of both the World and European Rally Championships, as well as national events – most likely in Finland.
“This is a really special opportunity for me to show my potential in a good car and in competitive rallies, so I can move forward in my career,” Vaher said.
“I’ve already had the chance to test the GR Yaris Rally2 car, and so far it’s felt really good – I’ve been improving with every kilometre. It’s a big step up from Rally4, so there will be a lot to learn next year. But the programme has great coaches and engineers who will help me to improve as much as possible,” he added.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala explained that the team decided to expand the programme after receiving numerous enquiries from international drivers about how they could gain Toyota’s support.
“We organised a test in Finland with five young drivers, and we found one very talented and promising 18-year-old who should show us his skills next year,” Latvala said.
According to sources, Finnish drivers also took part in the test, but Vaher stood out from the rest.
