Lappi completes Toyota’s 2022 WRC driver line-up

Lappi is likely to deputise for Ogier in the rounds he doesn't compete in as he takes a step back from full-time rallying.

The team has confirmed Evans and Rovanperä will contest every event next year.

WRC will embark on a new era in 2022 with the introduction of hybrid drivetrains, with the system and the software governing its use will be standardised for three years as a way of keeping the costs of competing down.

Lappi returns to the team after being part of Toyota’s inaugural roster in 2017, winning Rally Finland.

In 2018, Lappi’s performances helped Toyota to win the manufacturers’ championship.

Speaking of the announcement, Lappi said: “I am very, very happy to be returning to the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team. It feels like I’m coming home. I have some great memories from the past and it was really nice to work with people from the team again at Rally Finland.

“As soon as I got back into the Yaris WRC, it felt again like this was my car. Of course, for next year we will have a new car and although I have not driven it yet, it seems like it will be very different with the new regulations. But it will be interesting to be a part of it and I’m very excited about the future.”

Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala is confident Toyota's new line-up will be successful in 2022.

“I am very happy to have such a strong line-up of drivers heading into 2022 and an exciting new era for the WRC,” he added. “It’s very nice to have Elfyn and Kalle continuing with us as drivers who can fight for the championship. Elfyn is a really consistent driver, always helping to get the points for the team towards the championship, but as he proved with his victory on Rally Finland, he’s also absolutely one of the fastest drivers and definitely one of the contenders to win the title.

“We have seen really great performances from Kalle this year. He is developing all the time and as he gains more and more experience, he can also become a strong contender for championships. Seb is a great champion and he will be really valuable for us again next season, even though he will no longer be targeting the drivers’ title for himself.

“Finally, I’m delighted to bring Esapekka back into the team. He proved with us before that he can win, and since then I think he has been growing a lot. His motivation is very high, and he showed his speed on his return last weekend. I believe he is the perfect driver to share the seat with Seb, to help us in the championship but also be there to fight for victories himself.”