Toyota launches Corolla TCR

Nous vous en parlions depuis plusieurs mois, Toyota était en préparation d’un modèle de sa gamme pour courir sous la réglementation TCR. le constructeur japonais rejoint le club des marques ( Audi, Cupra, Honda, Hyundai, Lada, Lynk & Co, MG, Peugeot ...) which have in their range a car that can run in the national championship (Spain, Italy, Russia, etc.), continental (TCR Europe, South America, Asia, etc.) or international (WTCR). The Corolla is the Japanese manufacturer's flagship touring model. Already entered in TC 2000 or BTCC, it seemed legitimate that this model was chosen to be available from the 2022 season. The first laps were carried out with great fanfare with the president of Toyota Argentina, Daniel Herrero, who made a few laps behind the wheel of the Corolla. Next is the multiple champion Matias Red which launched the testing program for the car before it was put on the market. The presence of José Maria “Pechito” Lopez (2014 WTCC world champion, 15 and 16) was noted for the occasion. Current official Toyota endurance driver, the Argentinian had the first heyday of his career in Argentina and in TC 2000 (2008 and 2012 champion). 

The #ToyotaCorolla Sedan #TCR underwent its first track tests at the #AutodromoOscarCabalén in #AltaGracia, #Argentina.
It's the first prototype built by #TOYOTAGAZOORacing that will exclusively produce and market the #corolla all over the world.#TCRseries #motorsports pic.twitter.com/71HdOelAyc

— TCR Series (@TCR_Series) December 20, 2021

No official program planned... for the moment

The Corolla TCR is not sold exclusively on the South American continent. Teams wishing to acquire them in Europe or elsewhere are welcome. At this time, no official announcement has been made from Toyota regarding a possible official program in WTCR or in Europe. Marcello Lotti, boss of WSC group (TCR rights holder) was delighted with the arrival of a new model: “ I am delighted to see that the Toyota Corolla Sedan TCR has successfully undergone its first testing sessions entering the development phase of the ambitious program led by Toyota Gazoo Racing. The car looks great and looking at the team's previous results in other categories, I'm sure it will quickly prove its potential. I can't wait to see her take to the track for real races. Given the appeal of the Toyota brand, I believe we'll soon see plenty of Corolla TCRs racing on tracks around the world. »

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