TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Achieves One-Two Victory at Rally Latvia

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) celebrated a spectacular one-two finish at the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship's (WRC) first Rally Latvia. Reigning world champions Kalle Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen clinched victory in the No. 69 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle. They were closely followed by Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais, who secured second place in the No. 17 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "Kalle, Jonne, congratulations on winning two consecutive events! Seb and Vincent finishing second achieved a fantastic one-two finish. We look forward to reclaiming the top position at our home event, Rally Finland, and are excited for the team's continued success at Rally Japan."

Rally Latvia, marking its debut in the FIA WRC, offered fast gravel roads reminiscent of those in Estonia, presenting unique challenges for the drivers. Rovanperä and Halttunen dominated from the outset, winning 11 stages and celebrating their 200th career fastest time. This rally also marked their 50th start at the highest WRC level, culminating in their 14th victory.

Ogier and Landais returned impressively after missing the previous round in Poland, securing third place initially and later moving up to second. This event marked Ogier's first European gravel rally in nearly three years.

Toyota's commitment to motorsports extends beyond rallying, including participation in Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Toyota established TGR in 2015 to consolidate its motorsports activities, underscoring the brand's belief in motorsports as a fundamental part of developing better cars.

The ninth round of the 2024 FIA WRC, Rally Finland, is set for August 1-4, featuring high-speed gravel roads and challenging jumps. This home rally for TGR-WRT promises to be a thrilling event.

Race Results:

• No. 69 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen)

  • Position: 1st
  • Time: 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 47.6 seconds

  No. 17 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais)

  • Position: 2nd
  • Time: 2 hours, 32 minutes, and 26.8 seconds