The 2026 WRC season will get under way in two weeks’ time at the legendary Rally Monte Carlo. Toyota kicked off its test programme for the asphalt event on Tuesday, where snow, ice and slush can add a significant extra challenge.
Toyota’s drivers were originally due to complete their first tests for the 2026 season back in December at the team’s test area in Finland. Those plans were cancelled due to mild weather, but Toyota has now finally been able to get down to business.
Among the Toyota drivers, Elfyn Evans was the first to take to the test stage with the GR Yaris Rally1 car in France, just over an hour’s drive from the town of Gap, which once again serves as the central hub of the Rally Monte Carlo.
Evans completed his test day on dry asphalt. There was very little snow along the mountain road, meaning that only fallen leaves were swept aside as Evans cut tightly through the corners.
Notably, the test car was still running last season’s livery. Toyota unveiled the new look of its Rally1 car for the 2026 season on Tuesday.
Read more: Toyota reveals radically new Rally1 livery for 2026
Watch videos from Evans’ test below.
Evans finished second at the Rally Monte Carlo last year. He was narrowly beaten by his team-mate Sébastien Ogier, who went on to secure the world championship at the end of the season despite skipping three rounds during the year. Ogier is now targeting what would be his 11th victory at the legendary Monte.
Toyota will continue its testing programme this week. On Wednesday, testing duties will be taken over by the WRC team’s latest signing, Oliver Solberg, who was recruited to replace Kalle Rovanperä as the Finn turns his focus to circuit racing.
Rally Monte Carlo will take place on 22–25 January.
