TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) kicked off the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in impressive fashion, securing a double podium finish with its GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric vehicles at Rallye Monte-Carlo. The team's stellar performance, with Sébastien Ogier clinching second place and Elfyn Evans finishing third, has propelled Toyota to the top of the manufacturers' championship, leading by one point.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo proved to be a thrilling contest, with both drivers engaging in an exciting battle for victory throughout the event, culminating in the rally-ending Power Stage. Ogier, returning to his hometown after a triumphant win in 2023, demonstrated his prowess in the No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, while Evans secured a commendable third place in the No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1.
Chairman of TGR-WRT, Akio Toyoda, reflected on the significance of this season, marking the eighth WRC season for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT. Toyoda emphasized the broader purpose of their participation in WRC, stating, "For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, WRC is not just a competition to win. We compete in WRC to make ever-better cars and make more people smile." Despite not securing first place this time, Toyoda expressed confidence that the team's continuous efforts would lead to success in future events.
The Rallye Monte-Carlo, renowned as the oldest and most challenging event on the WRC calendar, presented unpredictable weather conditions, including ice and snow on asphalt roads. The GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, equipped with enhanced functionality, successfully navigated these challenges with updates to improve low-speed responses and torque curves.
Evans and co-driver Scott Martin showcased a strong start to their 2024 season, leading the rally until Day Three. Ogier seized the lead on Day Four, recording the 700th stage win of his WRC career. The final day saw a close battle for the top spot, with Ogier finishing just 3.3 seconds away from the first-place finisher.
As Toyota maintains its commitment to various motorsports, including Formula One, World Endurance Championship (WEC), and Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race, TGR serves as a consolidated in-house brand overseeing all motorsport activities. TGR aims to leverage its motorsport experience to pioneer new technologies and solutions, aligning with Toyota's commitment to creating "ever-better" cars.
Looking ahead, the next competition for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is Rally Sweden on February 15-18, the only full winter event set on snow and ice. The team has prepared for the challenging conditions by inserting new studs into tires, providing enhanced grip on the track for drivers to achieve peak speeds.
