Juho Hänninen confirmed at Toyota

As we announced to you in issue 2082 of AUTOhebdo, Juho Hänninen will defend the colors of the Toyota Gazoo Racing next year for the return of the brand in WRC after 16 years of absence. The 35-year-old Finn has been confirmed alongside co-driver Kaj Lindström for all rounds of the upcoming season at the wheel of the Yaris WRC with which he has been involved in development since the start of the year.

“It’s truly a dream come true., commented the 2012 champion of theERC. It’s such a great opportunity to join an official team with such potential. We have been working on the car since its first release, which makes things even more motivating. This Yaris WRC is incredible. »

“Juho was really motivated and involved in joining the team, confirmed Tommi Mäkinen, Team Principal of the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC. He also understood that we did not want to rush into 2017 and that we would take the time to learn. He already has quite a bit of experience in WRC (SWRC champion in 2011) and I am sure that he is the one who knows the car best after having participated in its development from the beginning. »

Juho Hänninen has signed a one-season contract with the option for it to be extended beyond 2017. Esapekka Lappi, 25, appears to be the favorite contender to drive the second Yaris WRC next year.