TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Secures Historic 1-2 Victory at Rally Japan, Clinches WRC Title
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) achieved a remarkable one-two finish on home turf at Rally Japan, sealing the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Manufacturers' title for the fourth consecutive year and the eighth time in the team's history.
Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin delivered an exceptional performance in the No. 33 GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, claiming the top spot on the podium. Their teammates, Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais, followed closely in the No. 17 GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle to secure second place.
The final round of the season unfolded on the demanding asphalt roads near Toyota City, culminating in a dramatic Power Stage. Ogier delivered a scintillating performance to clock the fastest time and earn five bonus points, while Evans finished third in the stage. These decisive performances clinched the Manufacturers' title after 13 grueling rounds of competition.
Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, celebrated the victory, stating:
"'We hate to lose.' With this slogan, we kept fighting until the very end without giving up. I would like to celebrate sincerely with all the TGR-WRT members today. Thank you to everyone for their incredible effort and dedication!"
Toyoda also highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the role of motorsports in showcasing innovation and rallying passion in East Asia.
Toyota's commitment to motorsports dates back decades, with the establishment of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) in 2015 to unify its various racing ventures. This victory underscores TGR's mission to develop "ever-better" cars and drive technological innovation through motorsport excellence.
Race Results:
-
1st Place: No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Drivers: Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin
Time: 3 hours, 23 minutes, 41.0 seconds -
2nd Place: No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Drivers: Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais
Time: 3 hours, 25 minutes, 8.3 seconds
Toyota now looks forward to the 2025 season, aiming to continue its legacy of excellence in rally racing and beyond.
