Sports & Championship

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Rally Islas Canarias, sweeping the top four positions in the first full asphalt round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) season. This significant achievement strengthens Toyota’s lead in the WRC Manufacturers’ Championship standings with a total of 208 points.

The rally was led by reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä, alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen, in the No. 69 GR YARIS Rally1. The pair dominated the event and finished with a time of 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 39.8 seconds, marking Rovanperä’s 16th WRC victory and his most successful career milestone with Toyota.

Following closely behind were:

• Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais (No. 17), finishing second

• Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin (No. 33), securing third

• Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston (No. 18), rounding out fourth place

All four drivers delivered exceptional performances despite facing the rally’s unfamiliar terrain and the debut of new hard-compound Hankook asphalt tyres. Rovanperä and Halttunen led from the start and set the fastest time in the Power Stage, finishing 53.5 seconds ahead of the competition.

Leadership Remarks

TGR-WRT Chairman Akio Toyoda praised the team’s efforts, stating:
"This outstanding result was achieved through the commitment and teamwork of everyone at TGR-WRT. It was incredible to finish 1-2-3-4 on roads we competed on for the first time. Our engineers and mechanics ensured the cars were perfectly prepared, instilling confidence in the drivers during the shakedown."

He added: "TGR-WRT is a team that fights together and thanks each other. This rally truly reflected the heart of our team. With Rally Finland approaching, let’s continue pushing forward as one.”

Driver Highlights

• Ogier’s strong return was highlighted by outperforming Rovanperä in the penultimate stage to claim second.

• Evans, with his fourth podium finish of the season, remains a top contender for the drivers’ championship, now holding 43 points.

• Katsuta showcased a consistent pace to secure a strong fourth-place result.

Upcoming Challenge

The next round of the 2025 FIA WRC will take place at Rally de Portugal, scheduled for May 15–18 in Matosinhos, near Porto. The rally is known for its challenging gravel roads, setting the stage for another high-stakes competition.

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