Sébastien Ogier will have a new co-driver for Rally Japan.
The eight-time World Rally Championship title winner will drive alongside fellow Frenchman Vincent Landais for the final round of the season.
Landais currently serves as the co-driver of M-Sport Ford steerer Pierre-Louis Loubet and will swap to the Toyota Gazoo Racing squad for the Japanese outing.
“Firstly I want to say thank you to Benjamin for his hard work and application during our programme of rallies this year,” Ogier said.
“It was a special moment to share our first victory together in Spain.
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“Now that the team has secured all three championships and the main targets for the season have been achieved, we would of course like to finish on a high at the home rally for Toyota in Japan.”
Ogier said the appointment of Landais is about casting an eye towards the future.
“But this final round is also a chance to prepare and evaluate some things for the future and to give an opportunity to Vincent, who is a talented and motivated young co-driver,” he explained.
“He has been working with us in our gravel crew and after this nice experience I am excited to compete in our first rally together and to see how it works out.”
Landais was elated to be given the opportunity to guide Ogier.
“It will be a big honour to join Seb and the team for Rally Japan,” the 31-year-old enthused.
“Seb and Julien have been like role models for every French driver and co-driver, so this is a great opportunity and one that I’m very proud of.
“Julien has been helping me a lot during my career, and I already had the chance to work with Seb as part of his gravel crew in Monte Carlo this year.
“Japan will be a big challenge with a lot to learn but I will focus on doing my best as always and try to make the most of this chance.
“Finally I would like to thank M-Sport, Pierre-Louis Loubet and his sponsors for this season and the good results we could do together.”
Rally Japan will take place from November 10-13.
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