Kris Meeke joins Toyota Gazoo Racing

Forgotten the unmemorable 2018 season for Chris Meeke. Thanked by Citroën Racing after the Rally of Portugal, marked by yet another road trip, the Briton intends to bounce back in 2019 by signing up with the Toyota Gazoo Racing by Tommi Makinen.

The former Mini driver, who will also change co-driver, Paul Nagle's replacement not being confirmed yet, will find Ott Tänak next season. The third driver will remain Jari-Matti Latvala, with Esapekka Lappi starting for Citroën Racing alongside Sébastien Ogier.

“It is a great pleasure and a great honor for me to become a driver at Toyota, comments Meeke. I would like to thank Akio Toyoda, Tommi Mäkinen and the entire Toyota team for their trust. Three years ago we first discussed the possibility of me joining the team, and I'm so happy that it's finally happened now.

Yaris performance WRC speaks for itself, but the team spirit is incredible on all levels, including the Japanese culture of honor and respect. I am excited to begin. I have no other particular objective than to enjoy driving again and to help Toyota win a championship.

The very first championship I won was at the age of 16, co-driven by my brother. We won this title in a Toyota Corolla, so for many reasons it's great to be here. There is no better place. »

Kris Meeke will make his official debut with the Yaris WRC at the next Rallye Monte-Carlo next January.