Juho Hänninen to Lead the Charge in High-Profile Comeback
Toyota has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) round in Saudi Arabia, set to take place from January 1 to 3, 2025. The Japanese manufacturer will enter a GR Yaris Rally2, piloted by none other than Finnish rally veteran Juho Hänninen. This marks an exciting return to competition for the former World Rally Championship (WRC) regular and 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) champion.
A Seasoned Driver Returns
Juho Ville Matias Hänninen, born on July 25, 1981, in Finland, brings a wealth of experience to the Saudi rally stage. With a rally career that began in earnest with the 2006 Swedish Rally, Hänninen quickly established himself as a formidable presence on gravel and tarmac alike. His crowning achievement came in 2010, when he clinched the IRC title, showcasing his consistent pace and technical precision across a wide variety of rally terrains.
Though he last competed in the WRC at the 2019 Rally Italia Sardegna, Hänninen has remained closely involved with the rally world, often participating in test programs and development roles—most notably for Toyota Gazoo Racing.
New Partnership: Janni Hussi Joins as Co-Driver
Hänninen’s return will be complemented by co-driver Janni Hussi, who brings recent experience from the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. In 2024, she partnered with Jari-Matti Latvala in a classic Toyota Celica, gaining valuable stage mileage and building a reputation for her composure and sharp pace-note calling.
This event will mark Hussi’s first major international rally in a modern Rally2 car, and her collaboration with Hänninen adds an extra layer of intrigue to Toyota’s Saudi campaign. Her adaptability and recent historic experience are expected to mesh well with Hänninen’s methodical driving style.
GR Yaris Rally2: Toyota’s New Contender
The GR Yaris Rally2 is Toyota’s latest weapon for customer racing and international rally competition. Debuted in 2023, the car has undergone rigorous testing in varying conditions, with a focus on reliability and versatility. Featuring a turbocharged engine, state-of-the-art suspension, and cutting-edge electronics, the GR Yaris Rally2 is engineered to perform across a range of surfaces.
Toyota’s entry into the MERC round with this car serves as both a competitive statement and a real-world testing opportunity. The Saudi Arabian terrain, known for its mix of fast gravel roads and punishing heat, will provide the perfect proving ground.
Strategic Goals and Broader Implications
While Toyota is not contesting the full MERC season, its entry into the Saudi round serves multiple strategic purposes. Most notably, it presents a valuable opportunity to gather technical and logistical data from the Saudi Arabian terrain—information that could prove vital should the country host a future WRC round, as has been widely speculated in motorsport circles.
The challenging mix of high-speed gravel sections, sandy transitions, and extreme temperatures offers a unique test bed not just for car performance, but for tire wear, suspension setups, and cooling systems. This rally gives Toyota a real-world scenario to refine settings and strategies for a region they may soon compete in at the highest level.
In addition to technical reconnaissance, a strong showing could encourage more privateer teams in the Middle East to adopt the GR Yaris Rally2. The event also offers a platform to develop emerging co-driving talent, with Janni Hussi gaining international experience alongside a veteran like Hänninen.
A Rally to Watch
All eyes will be on Saudi Arabia as the MERC 2025 season begins. With Juho Hänninen at the helm and Janni Hussi on the notes, Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2 is set to make a statement. Whether it’s a full-blown comeback or a strategic one-off, this entry is already stirring interest across the global rally community.
As the dust settles in early January, one thing is certain: the road to rally glory still has room for seasoned veterans, new talent, and cutting-edge machines.
