ERC
Junior ERC star Vaher lands big Toyota chance
FIA Junior ERC Championship frontrunner Jaspar Vaher will make history in 2026 when he becomes the first non-Japanese driver to join the TGR WRC Challenge Program.
Launched in 2015, the initiative aims to nurture rookie rally drivers, equipping them with the skills they need to follow in the wheel tracks of Takamoto Katsuta, now an established member of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Estonian Vaher, 18, was invited to a five-driver global selection event in Finland earlier this year after impressing in Junior ERC by banking a victory and three podiums in eight appearances.
Junior ERC form helped to give Vaher his big break
© ERC
According to Toyota Gazoo Racing, Vaher “particularly impressed the TGR-WRT instructors with his ability, despite a lack of previous four-wheel-drive rally experience and will line up alongside Shotaro Goto and Takumi Matsushita in a schedule of events including national, European and world championship rounds”.
“I'm really happy to join the TGR WRC Challenge Program,” Vaher said. “It’s a very special opportunity that provides me with the possibility to prove myself in a good car and in good competitions so that I can progress in my career.
“I’ve already had the chance to test the GR Yaris Rally2 and the feeling so far is quite good and improving with every kilometre. It’s a really big step for me coming from Rally4, so I think the next year will be a big learning curve, but with this Program I have great instructors and engineers trying to help me and improve my driving as much as they can.”
While Vaher’s 2026 scheduled has yet to be revealed, he will continue a long line of drivers to gain experience in Junior ERC before stepping up to four-wheel-drive machinery.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Hankook-equipped FIA Junior ERC Championship will get under way on BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia from 22 - 24 May and feature a total of six rounds.
