Toyota presents its Yaris Rally2

Since Toyota made his return in WRC in 2017, the launch of a car for the lower category has always been postponed. For the Jyväskylä-based team, it was difficult to envisage producing a vehicle and releasing it into the wild to be operated by drivers and teams. There were also problems with places and spare parts to resolve. This therefore did not happen when WRC2 welcomed R5s, but the rumor continued to grow that this was going to be done on the GR Yaris. The meeting was made in Japan to find out what the Toyota Rally2 should look like. “ It has to be said Toyota Yaris Rally2 Concept, would like to clarify Jari-Matti Latvala. We are really only at the very beginning of development. She only carried out one test in Finland. So there is a lot of work to be done. This is what we are going to do in 2023. The car should not debut until 2024. » In order to lift the veil and make the mouths water of all those who want to race in a Toyota, the car was present in Japan. The TGR having done things well, Juha Kankkunen had requisitioned to take the wheel. The four-time world champion made him cover the few meters (1,4 km) of the Okazaki superspecial. The tall blonde declared that she was " funny and easy » under the relieved gaze of the engineer in charge of this run who was quite tense seeing KKK (63 years old) set off in the time trial as in the days of his youth.

In Japan, Akio Toyoda was enthusiastic to present the Yaris Rally2 Concept (Photo: Loïc Rocci)

This mini presentation took place in the presence of Akio “Moriso” Toyoda, the boss of Toyota. “ Rally1s are made for high performance, explained the one who is adored wherever he goes. This only applies to a limited number of crews. WRC2 and 3 are made for more competitors. I think they are very happy that Toyota is going to produce a Rally2. » Externally, the car cannot deny its origins. Even though development is only in its infancy, it already appears well finished and quite spectacular.

Akio Toyoda and the 8 world championship titles of Tommi Mäkinen and Juha Kankkunen (Photo: Loïc Rocci)