Business
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Triumphs at 2024 Rally Finland
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) celebrated a triumphant victory at the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Rally Finland. Sébastien Ogier, with co-driver Vincent Landais, secured first place in the No. 17 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, marking Ogier's return to the FIA WRC’s fastest rally after nearly three years. This win adds to Ogier's impressive track record, as he claims his second Rally Finland victory, further solidifying his position as one of the sport's elite drivers.
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of TGR-WRT, expressed his congratulations to Ogier and Landais, praising their consistent performance throughout the season. “Seb, Vincent, congratulations on the victory! Their ability to consistently achieve top finishes has been a significant asset to the team, and I truly appreciate their dedication,” Toyoda said. He also highlighted the involvement of Jari-Matti Latvala, TGR-WRT Team Principal, who participated as a driver this year, underscoring the importance of hands-on experience with the cars used by the team.
The GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, driven by Ogier and Landais, featured a distinctive livery inspired by the Special Edition GR Yaris models introduced earlier this year. Their remarkable performance throughout the rally culminated in a winning time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 41.9 seconds. Ogier now joins the ranks of Sébastien Loeb, Ott Tänak, and Elfyn Evans as one of the few non-Finnish drivers to win Rally Finland more than once.
Toyota's participation in motorsports spans various disciplines, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. In 2015, Toyota consolidated its motorsports activities under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing brand, embodying the company's philosophy that "the roads build the people, and the people build the cars." TGR aims to leverage its extensive motorsports experience to develop new technologies and solutions that enhance the joy of driving for everyone.
The next challenge for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team is the Acropolis Rally in Greece, scheduled for September 5-8, 2024. Known for its rocky mountain roads and extreme temperatures, the Acropolis Rally promises to test the endurance and capabilities of both vehicles and drivers.
Race Summary:
- Car: No. 17 GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle
- Drivers: Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais
- Position: 1st
- Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 41.9 seconds