TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[EstWRC]

so all this fuss was just to entertain us? :D

[wyler]

so all this fuss was just to entertain us? :D

should that be the case, it worked!!!

[EstWRC]

it isnt Capito https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/17/williams-confirms-capito-to-become-ceo-roberts-remains-team-principal/

[Andre Oliveira]

Latvala is the new director.

[wwbroe]

Latvala is the new director.

That would be a surprise, wouldn't it?:p

[EstWRC]

pffff, what a disappointment

[AnttiL]

Latvala it is

https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2020/wrc/1218-01.html

[EstWRC]

Latvala as Ogiers boss

Who could have seen this some years ago?

[TypeR]

Actually it may not be so bad at all, considering his very detailed thinking about car setups and so on.. (like in Tänak's movie he asked many things that other's hadn't even heard..)

+ now he is Ogier's boss haha :D

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-gets-full-2021-wrc-campaign-as-toyota-keeps-faith/

Full season for Katsuta

[Andre Oliveira]

Katsuta full season is good to him.

[br21]

I'm very happy for him and I think he can be successful at this position!

[cali]

Wow japanese really like JML. Interesting choice indeed

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Latvala as Ogier's boss... that really sounds interesting.

[spiderem]

Lol Lavatla could not manage the pressure of just driving himself, what is it going to be when he has to manage 4 cars + a team behind! He already looks worried on the press release picture.

[dimviii]

Congrats to Latvala.
Very curious to see how he will manage the same team,with the same startegy, against Adamo and the well known strategy with rotating drivers.

[denkimi]

Actually it may not be so bad at all, considering his very detailed thinking about car setups and so on.. (like in Tänak's movie he asked many things that other's hadn't even heard..)

+ now he is Ogier's boss haha :D
After 300 rallies and 14 years in the wrc he still couldn't find the right setup for most events. Weird to see why anyone would make him boss.

But then again, the best managers are usually not the best sportsman. We will see.

[Mirek]

Congrats to Latvala.
Very curious to see how he will manage the same team,with the same startegy, against Adamo and the well known strategy with rotating drivers.

I'm very surprised by this choice. He always seemed to be emotionally unstable under pressure to me and absolutely not a manager type. Maybe I'm wrong but it will be very tough for him.

[meh]

Latvala as Ogier's boss... that really sounds interesting.

it was the first thing which came to my mind also... quite funny... and interesting how it works out.

[meh]

Wow japanese really like JML.

Maybe this is the real case - JML is just the face to outside, to be recognized and liked, kind of mascot in a good way. Actual job behind the scenes is done by Kaj Lindström.

[dimviii]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-behind-toyotas-latvala-as-team-boss-gamble/

[Sulland]

Management and leadership is a strange thing.
Many styles can work, from the including, to the I tell- you do type.

I think JML will surprize us!

Have always liked him as a driver, driving with his heart on the sleeve!
I wish him the best of luck!

[mknight]

Management and leadership is a strange thing.
Many styles can work, from the including, to the I tell- you do type.



Exactly, good leader does not necessarily need to act like Adamo, neither does he necessarily need to micro-manage.

That said not applying team orders, and not rotating drivers like they did this year, seems like a less successful strategy when results count. We will see if there will be some changes to that.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I really hope it works out for Latvala but I do see it as a bit of a romantic appointment by Mr Toyoda.

Latvala convinced him to bring Toyota back to WRC and also did a fine job in improving the new Yaris.

But the role of team manager is a whole different thing.

[er88]

It's not like Ogier needs a manager to tell him how to manage rallies/his speed/mindset. Evans is pretty level headed and now quite comfortable running at the front amongst the top guys. Interesting how JML manages Kalle though, and his continued development.

But the biggest tests will be how JML manages his team/ mechanics and the development decisions relating to the new car (although im sure Fowler will be at the forefront of that).
What I'd be most intrigued about is team orders. If Ogier has Kalle fighting him for position/ a win towards the end of a rally..., can you imagine JML managing that situation well enough with Seb perhaps spitting his dummy out/putting the pressure on Jari to make a tough decision?

At least with Makinen, there was no team orders and Ogier had massive respect for a 4× champion.

[cali]

Deleted

[Rallyper]

It´s two different things driving a rallycar at top level and managing a whole team. In the car it´s only you.

In the team principal position he has lot of advising people around him. Wish him best of luck and think he will be a great success.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/whats-behind-toyotas-latvala-as-team-boss-gamble/

[steve.mandzij]

I call myself Latvala's biggest fan, and to say I'm surprised is an understatement. Honestly, though I must admit his last two years in WRC were very underwhelming, i was still looking forward to a 2022 comeback or something, but...

I think he'll do well in this new role. I'm extremely happy he's back around, and luckily he's got three other capable, experienced people around him to manage the team with. I don't doubt his compassionate personality will do well to bring the team together, and the insight he can give to the drivers must be at the very worst a sidegrade from Tommi's decade old perspective on the championship as it stands today.

[dimviii]

one thing for sure about Latvala,is that he ll be much more vocal at interviews compared to Makinen.

[Rallyper]

And remember the hard work was done by Tommi. Now he is overtaking a running business.

[371]

He will be just a face to interview. Absolutely no experience and will break down in difficult situation

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/tommi-makinen-onko-jari-matti-latvala-oikea-mies-toyotan-tallipaallikoksi/

This interview with Tommi is quite interesting and even bitter or harsh. I try to translate it as good as I can


Q: Tommi Mäkinen, what thoughts do you have about JML becoming your successor as the team principle?
A: The decision has come from Japan, and that's OK. It will start working, I guess. The team has a good crew continuing. They know the operation. There's plenty of time to jump onto the ride.

Q: JML has some big boots to wear. How do you think he will succeed?
A: Well, the boys will for sure do team work, that I don't think it will be so different. If team work continues like it has so far, there won't be any drama.

Q: Do you believe JML is the right person for the job?
A: I can't comment on that in any ways. Other people have overseen this conclusion. They have analyzed that this is good. I cannot comment whether he is the correct choice or not. How should I know, I haven't thought more about it. Time will tell how it goes. But as I said, they have a good crew. They know what to do.

Q: JML has good reputation in Japan and good contacts with Akio Toyoda?
A: I don't know what's behind the decision.

Q: Have you talked about this with JML
A: Not that much. A few words but not more.

Q: What tips would you give to JML for the job? Which are the first important steps for him in this task?
A: You must get inside first. JML hasnn't been inside the team to see how it all works. You need to go there first to study what the operation means. JML has seen it from the other side of the windscreen.

[mknight]

Sounds very harsh... JML hasn't been "inside" the team?

Might this JML stuff be Japanese response to Makinen losing Tanak?

Also note how vocal Toyoda was that the Yaris (and team?) is "missing something" after Monza.

[371]

Why Tommy was replaced was because of his drinking problem*
*Is what I have heard. And for me makes sense to see Kaj so often in TV

[er88]

I don't know why Toyota would care/ hold THAT much of a grudge about losing Tanak - plus seems like that wasn't a total sporting decision anyway from Tanak etc.

They replaced Tanak and got the current 7x world champion, Evans 2nd in the championship and the hottest prospect in the WRC for a long time in Kalle. Tommi is massively responsible for ALL the success they've had, and they haven't missed Tanak (Kalle vs Sordo/Breen/Loeb is the reason they didnt win the manufactures).

Could more just be a case of trying to cut some of Tommi's control over the whole operation as they move it totally in-house, and maybe the fact that Tommi is not really a good face of a team that hugely values good PR. Jari will be loved by Japan (already is), and is a much warmer and more engaging face of a team.

[Allez Andruet]

What I find really strange is that Mäkinen, who is supposed to be the motorsport advisor for the Toyota Company, is saying anything else in public than praising JML for his new appointment. That, for me, definitely tells something. As you can see from the brilliant translation made by AnttiL, Tommi acted (?) like he didn't know about the whole thing and wasn't sure whether JML was the best choice for the role or not. Absolutely incredible. That, in other words, is questioning a decision made by someone higher in the org. chart than you. And - especially when we're talking about a Japanese company - that is quite something. Purely based on today's quotes, I wouldn't predict a lenghty run for Tommi in his new role. We'll see...

[AnttiL]

Absolutely incredible.

:D

[KiwiWRCfan]

Colin Clark please

that would be fun, him explaining the things with his hand gestures

Lots of hand gestures by JML in the short video TGR posted

[the sniper]

There are a few things that still stand out to me from the end of Tommi's era at the helm:

- The large profit TMR made.
- The lack of an R5/Rally2, even though it seems like it's been talked about for years.
- Losing Tanak as Champion and all the bizarre (possibly untrue) issues talked about, be it Mia Miettinen or whatever the deals was/wasn't with RedGrey and Markko Martin.
- The failure to get the new Yaris WRC launched when the road car version has made such a high profile debut, with marketing based largely on its rally pedigree...

Maybe all irrelevant, but it's pretty clear now Tommi was pushed out for a reason.

[dimviii]

What I find really strange is that Mäkinen, who is supposed to be the motorsport advisor for the Toyota Company, is saying anything else in public than praising JML for his new appointment. That, for me, definitely tells something. As you can see from the brilliant translation made by AnttiL, Tommi acted (?) like he didn't know about the whole thing and wasn't sure whether JML was the best choice for the role or not. Absolutely incredible. That, in other words, is questioning a decision made by someone higher in the org. chart than you. And - especially when we're talking about a Japanese company - that is quite something. Purely based on today's quotes, I wouldn't predict a lenghty run for Tommi in his new role. We'll see...

finally somebody (also sniper) who can ''read'' deeper at interviews as the last interview few post above.
Its obvious that Toyoda stopped to trust Makinen.
The reason imho maybe is financial.

[EstWRC]

Why Tommy was replaced was because of his drinking problem*
*Is what I have heard. And for me makes sense to see Kaj so often in TV

Have heard the same + of course other reasons not only that.

Some guys are here giving way too much credit to him for all the stuff.

[AnttiL]

- The failure to get the new Yaris WRC launched when the road car version has made such a high profile debut, with marketing based largely on its rally pedigree...

I thought this project failed because of COVID and banning of all testing in the spring for a while?

[mknight]

I thought this project failed because of COVID and banning of all testing in the spring for a while?

Yet Hyundai developed significant upgrades to I20 in the same period, while Toyota seemed to have stood still and then showed up in Estonia with wrong setup.

[AnttiL]

Developing aero parts for a current car is different than making a whole new car. You cannot just focus on one element, everything affects everything. Also the homologation process of the whole car would have taken time. Taking 2(?) months off testing probably just delayed the project too much for them to get it finished in time.

[meh]

Here some thoughts, blue-black-white (estonian) glasses involved.


Might this JML stuff be Japanese response to Makinen losing Tanak?


I don't know why Toyota would care/ hold THAT much of a grudge about losing Tanak - plus seems like that wasn't a total sporting decision anyway from Tanak etc.

They replaced Tanak and got the current 7x world champion, Evans 2nd in the championship and the hottest prospect in the WRC for a long time in Kalle. Tommi is massively responsible for ALL the success they've had, and they haven't missed Tanak (Kalle vs Sordo/Breen/Loeb is the reason they didnt win the manufactures).

From distance seems, that Tänak had quite good relationship with mr Toyoda. If Toyoda thanked Tommi, he pointed out Tänak's win in Finland as his best emotion. Not Ogier's championship for example.

They got Ogier, but Ogier was not dominant like Tänak was.



Also note how vocal Toyoda was that the Yaris (and team?) is "missing something" after Monza.

This was another "read between lines" example for me, that Toyoda may not be happy with replacing Tänak with Ogier or team decisions in general. In that moment they should promote and congratulate Ogier for winning drivers title and Ogier showed that Toyota is winning car... but got "missing something" instead.



And for me makes sense to see Kaj so often in TV

Was there any content in Mäkinen's interviews? Just rotating words like absolutely, incredible, brilliant etc. It can be just simple language question.


Japan and loyalty - JML has been fan of Toyota, promoting Toyota and has been loyal to Toyota. Maybe is that simple as that. And maybe some loyalty issue with Mäkinen? Comments on JML as new boss were quite harsh and it's hard to believe, that this style will be ignored by Toyoda.

[Morte66]

I would be grateful if somebody could explain what JML's actual job (powers and responsibilities) will be. I'm not entirely what is up to him and what is Kaj's decision, or Toyota's.
- Does he decide what drivers they hire?
- Does he decide whether to have a driver rotation system?
- Does he decide who is the third driver in each rally if they do?
- Would he have input into what tyres a driver uses?
- Would he be the one issuing team orders, if it happens?
- Can he fire someone for ignoring them?
- Does he have final say on R&D priorities?
- Anything else he does?

[Myrvold]

Have heard the same + of course other reasons not only that.


This forums is the only place I've read/heard about Mäkinen and drinking problems. How isn't this more widely known if it is the case?

[AnttiL]

I would be grateful if somebody could explain what JML's actual job (powers and responsibilities) will be. I'm not entirely what is up to him and what is Kaj's decision, or Toyota's.
- Does he decide what drivers they hire?
- Does he decide whether to have a driver rotation system?
- Does he decide who is the third driver in each rally if they do?
- Would he have input into what tyres a driver uses?
- Would he be the one issuing team orders, if it happens?
- Can he fire someone for ignoring them?
- Does he have final say on R&D priorities?
- Anything else he does?

I would say he's among the decision makers, not being a dictator, but with the final responsibility for any decision.

Also, he will give interviews and be the media person for the team.

[seb_sh]

I was very surprised to hear this appointment and at first it did not make sense at all because essentially he has no experience and is very emotional, but as I read the forum I start to see some possible reasons:
- they need a shield between the team and the media, a face and for that JML is good, he loves rally and Toyota
- his loyalty to Toyota which is very important to the Japanese
- he understands the technical part and could work as a mediator between drivers and engineers
- the team is set up and working well already (Tommi kept stressing this point too in that interview) so he doesn't need to organize much, just steady the ship and keep the course

As to why Tommi was replaced it could be any of the reasons or some of them together: Tanak relationship, finances, failed car projects, could be drinking - pure speculation - but he was very red faced a couple times in interviews and mumbling his words more than usual.

In the end JML doesn't need to do much actually just work with the team and if i remember correctly he is a good team player so might not be a bad idea after all.

[mknight]

Also, he will give interviews and be the media person for the team.

Not hard to do a better job than Makinen in that part.

[doubled1978]

I was very surprised to hear this appointment and at first it did not make sense at all because essentially he has no experience and is very emotional, but as I read the forum I start to see some possible reasons:
- they need a shield between the team and the media, a face and for that JML is good, he loves rally and Toyota
- his loyalty to Toyota which is very important to the Japanese
- he understands the technical part and could work as a mediator between drivers and engineers
- the team is set up and working well already (Tommi kept stressing this point too in that interview) so he doesn't need to organize much, just steady the ship and keep the course

As to why Tommi was replaced it could be any of the reasons or some of them together: Tanak relationship, finances, failed car projects, could be drinking - pure speculation - but he was very red faced a couple times in interviews and mumbling his words more than usual.

In the end JML doesn't need to do much actually just work with the team and if i remember correctly he is a good team player so might not be a bad idea after all.

I really hope this works out for JML, I think everyone likes him, he’s a genuine rally enthusiast and he will undoubtedly give everything to succeed at it. I do have a question about how drivers, particularly Ogier might react if he has to impose team orders that don’t benefit him. That said if he’s given the position by Toyoda, his words carry the backing of the corporation so will be hard to ignore.

As for Makinen, I hope it’s not alcohol behind this as it’s a terrible affliction. I have personal experience of seeing a loved one fall into the addiction and it’s horrific for all connected.

[pantealex]

Jarmo Lehtinen is back in TGR.

He is going to work together with Kaj Lindstöm

Just wait for more info.

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11726365 (in finnish)

[EstWRC]

everybody now going back after Tommi and Mia are "gone" :D (its a half joke if some sensitive Finns didnt get it)

actually about Mia, havent heard antyhing about her role? is she still there?

[pantealex]

everybody now going back after Tommi and Mia are "gone" :D (its a half joke if some sensitive Finns didnt get it)

actually about Mia, havent heard antyhing about her role? is she still there?

I don´t know, Mia did own 50% of "Estonian Unit" (and Tommi other 50%) but for sure Mia is also out of TGR.

[EstWRC]

they have changed the livery a little which i didnt expect for the final year for these cars https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1348905535404445697

[dimviii]

Lehtinen back in management role at Toyota

Multi-world rally winner Jarmo Lehtinen has put his pace note book away for the final time to return to Toyota Gazoo Racing as event leader. He talks wrc.com through that decision and what 2021 looks like for him now.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/lehtinen-back-in-management-role-at-toyota/

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erh0m8gXcAA06a_?format=jpg&name=medium

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erh2CvHXYAMwscN?format=jpg&name=medium

[pantealex]

they have changed the livery a little which i didnt expect for the final year for these cars https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1348905535404445697

Microsoft isn´t main sponsor anymore, so no other choice than change.

Also "GR" brand must stay "fresh"

[TypeR]

all Yaris WRCs still under Estonian plates, but have changed owner and user on 7th of January..
Most likely they changed them from Tommi Mäkinen's Racing to Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe or smth like that..

[linni]

They still have a TGR spot in Tallinn, where all the WRC cars are maintained.

As I understand belongs to TGR not to Tommi Mäkinen Racing although TMR is regitered by this address.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tommi+M%C3%A4kinen+Racing+O%C3%9C+%7C+Toyota+Gazoo +Racing+WRT/@59.3851887,24.8265998,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipPPuU6XtrMRm5Jr7SPiDxarl-aq_8RABezdi0bL!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleu sercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPPuU6XtrMRm5Jr7SPiDxarl-aq_8RABezdi0bL%3Dw177-h86-k-no!7i3536!8i1718!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x4692ebbfdbca913b :0xf7ade46eea63ad24!2sTommi+M%C3%A4kinen+Racing+O% C3%9C+%7C+Toyota+Gazoo+Racing+WRT!8m2!3d59.3851887 !4d24.8265998!3m4!1s0x4692ebbfdbca913b:0xf7ade46ee a63ad24!8m2!3d59.3851887!4d24.8265998

[DocMS]

Thoughts? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210114/4fb43af274122b5ac4b3ebe2dff7fe30.jpg

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

While front is somewhat ok the rear is horrible.

Ok they want to make one corner black, but why make the black line straight so it looks like the car is not symmetric? Could have easily just make it a bit curved like the red on the other side (guess curving towards the exhaust).

[SubaruNorway]

I don't like it at all

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eruqd7OXEAMu1N_?format=jpg&name=medium

[Eli]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eruqd7OXEAMu1N_?format=jpg&name=medium

But in the LMP1 car it actually works and I have to say looks really good, on their rally car it looks horrid, I never thought I'd say this but I prefer the previous livery, then again it doesn't matter so much as next year they'll have the uglier car to complete the look, now all hopes rest on Hyundai lol.

[EstWRC]

looks better than the old one IMO but nothing special

[MartijnS]

I like the front look.

[AnttiL]

I remember when Citroen changed their livery for 2019 you all despised it but when you saw it on the stages you started liking it. So maybe wait a bit before making judgements :)

I personally don't care at all for car liveries.

[Eli]

I remember when Citroen changed their livery for 2019 you all despised it but when you saw it on the stages you started liking it. So maybe wait a bit before making judgements :)

I personally don't care at all for car liveries.

I loved that livery from the off, this is just an ugly livery for an uglier car imho.

[Revman]

Love it!

[wyler]

for me definitely an improvement

[EstWRC]

for me definitely an improvement

IMO too. i really like the front

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EryKwidWMAAX1_Y?format=jpg&name=medium

[cali]

At least it's different. Anyways the most beautiful car is usually a car moving fast

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[pantealex]

Way better than before.

But Yaris itself is ugly.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What happened with Microsoft ?

[pantealex]

What happened with Microsoft ?

Probably nothing, it was X years deal. No sponsorship last forever.

[AnttiL]

Probably nothing, it was X years deal. No sponsorship last forever.

I heard a rumor that Toyota changed some service from Microsoft to Amazon and the deal went with that.

[Allez Andruet]

https://twitter.com/JuhoWRC/status/1350500835344719872

Hänninen joking how it's now easy for the new team principal to go to Monte as they have already won something. Classic Juho.

[Allez Andruet]

...on a bit more serious note, on the Arctic Rally YouTube-stream Hänninen said at the finish (in Finnish) that they "tested and learned a lot of things about the car and the new tires" during the rally and that they're now "much wiser what comes to the PET and the actual WRC Arctic Rally". "This makes things much easier and it was very good that we came here", Juho concluded.

[AnttiL]

Also some new parts were tested

[EstWRC]

new overalls too

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EsAN4_EXYAEelRf?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

did anybody noticed that Katsuta has a different livery?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Esz3yPAW8AAB0pe?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Esz3yPHXIAAFWyF?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Esz3yPBXcAExDDb?format=jpg&name=large

[pantealex]

Different sponsors, same GR livery ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/toyota-aims-to-have-2022-car-running-in-first-quarter-of-this-year/

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/tallipomo-latvala-mielii-uuden-wrc-hybridin-puikkoihin-olisi-toki-kiva-kokeilla/

- The Yaris GR4 is the base model for the new Rally1 car.
- It will also be the base for Rally2 and Rally3
- They are focusing their efforts on Rally1 so no time to develop the lower class cars, but it could happen in 2023
- Latvala is more interested in Rally3 than Rally2 (easy to see why, there's a huge competition in Rally2 whereas M-Sport is alone in Rally3)
- Latvala would love to do testing himself (surprise!)

[sindroms]

What happened with Microsoft ?

Maybe this could be an answer:
https://news.microsoft.com/2021/02/10/volkswagen-group-teams-up-with-microsoft-to-accelerate-the-development-of-automated-driving/

[dimviii]

Toyota to move all WRC production back to Finland

The Japanese manufacturer will move away from its Estonia factory at the end of the season

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-to-move-all-wrc-production-back-to-finland/

[Red bull]

Someone enlighten me what happens to the Toyota Wrc cars used in the previous years as I have never seen them hired or sold to the private teams, 2C competition has ex Hyundai wrc cars while ex M-sport Wrc cars are in many private teams,thank you

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Someone enlighten me what happens to the Toyota Wrc cars used in the previous years as I have never seen them hired or sold to the private teams, 2C competition has ex Hyundai wrc cars while ex M-sport Wrc cars are in many private teams,thank you

None have been bought/used privately.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/68-toyota-yaris-wrc/

[Red bull]

None have been
bought/used privately.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/68-toyota-yaris-wrc/

Any reason why they haven't been sold/bought, expensive or against the teams policy?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any reason why they haven't been sold/bought, expensive or against the teams policy?

They probably don't see it as commercially worthwhile to bother with supplying parts, upgrades and servicing.

[Red bull]

They probably don't see it as commercially worthwhile to bother with supplying parts, upgrades and servicing. Thank you.

[AnttiL]

https://www.iltalehti.fi/ralli/a/2dc64c39-a90b-4507-b96e-b24bd58e5eec

Latvala says Lappi is the strongest candidate for Toyota's third seat for next year.

[AnttiL]

None have been bought/used privately.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/cars/68-toyota-yaris-wrc/

Grönholm hired one for Sweden 2019, I think that's the only time.

[Essaj]

Grönholm hired one for Sweden 2019, I think that's the only time.

Latvala 2020

[spiderem]

I wanted to share some thoughts and give credit when deserved.

When Toyota annonced Latvala as team principal for 2021, my first reaction was : oho recipee for disaster. Knowing the rock solid mental stability of Latvala, i didn't see how he would be a good manager and how he would have the ability to manage the drivers...

End of his first season : 1 & 2 in the driver championship, almost guaranteed the manufacturer championship, 2 victories for the young Kalle, promising resultat for Katsuta, a team that looks well balanced, and a performing car. Hats off

Let's see if he can acheive such success next year with the new era. This will be the true test as Team Manager.

[rallyfiend]

I wanted to share some thoughts and give credit when deserved.

When Toyota annonced Latvala as team principal for 2021, my first reaction was : oho recipee for disaster. Knowing the rock solid mental stability of Latvala, i didn't see how he would be a good manager and how he would have the ability to manage the drivers...

End of his first season : 1 & 2 in the driver championship, almost guaranteed the manufacturer championship, 2 victories for the young Kalle, promising resultat for Katsuta, a team that looks well balanced, and a performing car. Hats off

Let's see if he can acheive such success next year with the new era. This will be the true test as Team Manager.

I don't think many people actually believe JML is the 'Team Principal' in the real sense of the word.

He's been hired as a media 'front man' and does a good job of that.

Anyone who thinks he's in the office preparing business plans and running budget meetings is being a bit naïve

[AnttiL]

I don't think many people actually believe JML is the 'Team Principal' in the real sense of the word.

He's been hired as a media 'front man' and does a good job of that.

Anyone who thinks he's in the office preparing business plans and running budget meetings is being a bit naïve

It's even said openly that they have a four person leader group with Latvala, Fowler, Lindström (and one guy from Toyota whose name I don't remember). Latvala's main role is to communicate with the drivers and give public interviews.

[Rallyper]

Of course it´s teamwork, not only JML. But he´s playing an important role as a whole between stages and drivers...

[AnttiL]

Of course it´s teamwork, not only JML. But he´s playing an important role as a whole between stages and drivers...

Yeah but I guess it was different in the Mäkinen era

[EstWRC]

Yeah but I guess it was different in the Mäkinen era

It was. Mia was running it and Tommi was the face as I’ve heard

[rallyfiend]

It was. Mia was running it and Tommi was the face as I’ve heard

Well, Mia was running it, and tommi was in the bar....

[cali]

Well, Mia was running it, and tommi was in the bar....That's what I have been told as well generally speaking

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Well, Mia was running it, and tommi was in the bar....

he like beers?

[rp]

That's what I have been told as well generally speaking

There was that kind of problems as we saw couple of times, when Tommi was interviewed during TGR time. During Rally Finland this year it was clear that he was in a good spirit and being well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

:champion: :champion: :champion:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FGzuwuEWQAE1GnN?format=jpg&name=medium

[flat_right]

Didn't find it anywhere else on the web but Estonian media is reporting that 3 Yaris WRC cars will be gifted away. One to Tänak, Ogier (for titles) and Mäkinen (building up the team).

[KertR]

And also Latvala wanted one for his collection...

[dimviii]

How Rally1 has changed the face of WRC design

Toyota's Tom Fowler provides an insight into the challenge of creating a brand-new hybrid rally car

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-rally1-has-changed-the-face-of-wrc-design/

[dimviii]

WRC - FIA World Rally Championship
@OfficialWRC
·
7h
Eyes 2022 livery reveal coming Soon with rightwards arrow above

Television 18:00 CET Saturday

#WRCHybrid | #ToyotaGAZOORacing | #WRC

[wyler]

https://scontent.ftrn1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/271761562_10157158650897614_4368966173431572568_n. jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=s7BqVcCpHHwAX-rJp4g&_nc_ht=scontent.ftrn1-1.fna&oh=00_AT-mNl_vHdAQUxzxxJkftf_sCdawFCcGFUKLPtjjxXpIqQ&oe=61E349ED

[TypeR]

Front lights and bumper remind Focus wrc..

+decals are not disappointing.. still randomly thrown on car ��
https://www.upload.ee/image/13789302/13348743t1hcd1b.jpg

[Eli]

https://scontent.ftrn1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/271761562_10157158650897614_4368966173431572568_n. jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=s7BqVcCpHHwAX-rJp4g&_nc_ht=scontent.ftrn1-1.fna&oh=00_AT-mNl_vHdAQUxzxxJkftf_sCdawFCcGFUKLPtjjxXpIqQ&oe=61E349ED

Tbh, really ugly, imho it's an ugly car even without that livery but that livery makes it look even worse, just hideous. They could've at least change the way the colours are lined or something, just make it different in some way or form. As always, hopefully M-Sport will deliver with their livery.

[EstWRC]

Waiting for Eddie to go crazy that there’s no word of hybrid on the car….

But seriously talking, this thing just looks ugly (at least for me)

[Eli]

Waiting for Eddie to go crazy that there’s no word of hybrid on the car….

But seriously talking, this thing just looks ugly (at least for me)

Not just for you, it's one of the worst looking Toyota's imho.

[dimviii]

really ugly for me too.
But lets wait to see other angles,maybe its just the photo.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At least M-SPORT get the big Saturday launch reveal to themselves now...

[MartijnS]

Don’t like the nose at all, but indeed it’s not a good photo. Let’s wait for some decent ones.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Waiting for Eddie to go crazy that there’s no word of hybrid on the car….



;)

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H8f5726c8ae2942e8a60e79b0891b7a421.jpg_640x640Q90. jpg

[drive]

back to the future...

[the sniper]

Tbh, really ugly, imho it's an ugly car even without that livery but that livery makes it look even worse, just hideous. They could've at least change the way the colours are lined or something, just make it different in some way or form. As always, hopefully M-Sport will deliver with their livery.

Unfortunately they've probably got their hands tied with having to have the same livery as the sports car program. It's the downside of the enthusiasm for all things "Gazoo", though if it's the only price we pay for Toyota's investment in Motorsport, it's a small price to pay, to be fair.

[EstWRC]

For me it’s not only the livery, I didn’t expect anything else

the combo of livery and the car itself which makes it ugly

But the looks don’t win rallies and titles

[AnttiL]

To me it looks fine :)

Are those side mirrors hidden aero devices? One of those things that they kept secret from the competitors.

[EstWRC]

;)

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H8f5726c8ae2942e8a60e79b0891b7a421.jpg_640x640Q90. jpg

So, you’re gonna send them to Toyota and Hyundai or what? ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So, you’re gonna send them to Toyota and Hyundai or what? ;)

Maybe they dont want to advertise the hybrid element...
1. Because it's not their hybrid system
2. If its unreliable it could reflect badly on them

[cali]

To me it looks fine :)

Are those side mirrors hidden aero devices? One of those things that they kept secret from the competitors.I quite like it as well

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[er88]

Maybe they dont want to advertise the hybrid element...
1. Because it's not their hybrid system
2. If its unreliable it could reflect badly on themOr because nearly everyone who watches the WRC or goes to events knows its a hybrid car anyway.

Hyundai have put out a new video specifically advertising the hybrid wrc car, so it's not like they are against promoting it in certain ways

[lmmjvss]

Is that real? Just went on wrc and toyota's twitter and fb pages and nothing! Haha not even dirtfish posted the new toyota with the 22 colors

[AnttiL]

Is that real? Just went on wrc and toyota's twitter and fb pages and nothing! Haha not even dirtfish posted the new toyota with the 22 colors

It’s not yet allowed to be published

[Hartusvuori]

Is that real? Just went on wrc and toyota's twitter and fb pages and nothing! Haha not even dirtfish posted the new toyota with the 22 colors

It was leaked.

[lmmjvss]

Nice!

[seb_sh]

That's quite bad. The way the stickers are placed is like some teenage weekend drag racer... and the design is so badly interrupted by the main sponsor that it looks like random bits of color.

This is the same theme and while not terribly exciting it's not entirely horrible: https://img.autocosmos.com/noticias/fotosprinc/NAZ_a2f6ff480631458bb70ae1a12e9a3401.jpg

[dimviii]

Where is Ogier?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJKLGuWXoAMHEiQ?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Kenneth]

Imo it looks really good in the presentation. I guess it were just really wierd angle.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJKLhgGWUAQsn5z?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJKLhgIXIAAFbSm?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Imo it looks really good in the presentation. I guess it were just really wierd angle.

yes its much better at these photos.
snow tyres at presentation wtf?

[EstWRC]

Looks like a different car here!

I like it but still my 3rd favorite out of all

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

They are going with the vertical side mirrors..?!

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

[cali]

I like it!

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

did you see how much blanked is the front bumper?

[Kenneth]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJKLhgGWUAQsn5z?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FJKLhgIXIAAFbSm?format=jpg&name=large

That poorly photoshoped door stickers lmao

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/e25787d59aaa735e30b7f13357987bfa.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/d3b0ad080b74dc1008e7e1a43f76980a.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/c39a558db76268ae287349416467e61a.jpg

[mknight]

Definitely better looking than current Yaris especially from frontal hemisphere. Not so much due to the livery, but the agressive looking "mouth" with radiator.

[AnttiL]

did you see how much blanked is the front bumper?

These are removable blocks to keep engine heat up on road sections. And Co-drivers must not forget to remove them before entering a stage.

[Eli]

I think the reason the Yaris looked different in the presentation is because it had grey spoke wheels and not white ones. Not the most important thing but imho it makes the car look way meaner and detract from the fact that in it’s basis it’s still ugly.


If in Doubt, flat out!

[Franky]

The main difference is the wide angle lens of the phone, which distorts the proportions.

[lmmjvss]

Do we had Any infos on WHY Toyota hired Lappi instead of Mikkelsen??

[mknight]

Do we had Any infos on WHY Toyota hired Lappi instead of Mikkelsen??

Appart from him being from Finland and previously driving with them....

The main sporting reason would be that he is better match for switching with Ogier.
Lappi is likely better than Mikkelsen on the fast gravel/snow rallies that Ogier definitely won't do and comparable on slow gravel. He is worse than Mikkelsen on tricky tarmac like Monte or say Northern Irland (if it were to happen) or wet/tricky gravel but Ogier wants to do most of these kinds of rallies himself.

[Danny0405]

Appart from him being from Finland and previously driving with them....

The main sporting reason would be that he is better match for switching with Ogier.
Lappi is likely better than Mikkelsen on the fast gravel/snow rallies that Ogier definitely won't do and comparable on slow gravel. He is worse than Mikkelsen on tricky tarmac like Monte or say Northern Irland (if it were to happen) or wet/tricky gravel but Ogier wants to do most of these kinds of rallies himself.

And we can add some other valuable reasons:
- less time outside of a WRC car (he still competed with M-Sport in 2020 whereas Mikkelsen hasn’t been in a WRC car since 2019)
- more convincing outings last year in Rally2 (even if he was in a different position than Mikkelsen) => confirmed by Latvala in interview
- highest development potential as he has around 40 WRC outings (I mean in top class) against more than 75 for Mikkelsen,

Even if I don’t like to see an incumbent WRC2+ERC champion without at least some outings in Rally1 (maybe in a 4th M-Sport car as Red Bull sponsored him a lot, they called him as a backup in Dakar for example).

[mknight]

And we can add some other reasons:
- less time outside of a WRC car (he still competed with M-Sport in 2020 whereas Mikkelsen hasn’t been in a WRC since 2019)
- more convincing outings last year in Rally2 (even if he was in a different position than Mikkelsen)
.

- Actually until Finland Mikkelsen drove much more kms in WRC than Lappi in 2021, and some 6-10 testing days in 2020

- that one I find a bit funny. He drives two rallies and wins both, only one vs Mikkelsen and including being stuck in the snowbank and lucky to get out. And it's considered as more convincing than winning two championships at the same time with one less rally than anyone else and with more wins than anyone else.

[Danny0405]

- Actually until Finland Mikkelsen drove much more kms in WRC than Lappi in 2021, and some 6-10 testing days in 2020

- that one I find a bit funny. He drives two rallies and wins both, only one vs Mikkelsen and including being stuck in the snowbank and lucky to get out. And it's considered as more convincing than winning two championships at the same time with one less rally than anyone else and with more wins than anyone else.

Yeah I forgot the Pirelli tests but not sure it can be considered as competitive as making 7 real outings in 2020.

For the other one, the main point to remember is that Latvala took his decision quite early (it was pretty clear from him that if Lappi makes a good Rally Finland, he would clinch the spot and as soon as the end of the rally, he confirmed Lappi will be there in 2022). And Mikkelsen was not really efficient before September: not in a good position against Ostberg in WRC-2 standings even after Estonia (with one win in MC and another in Estonia but dominated by Lukyanuk for the class win and slower than Ostberg in pure speed there) and, in ERC, still behind Lukyanuk before Barum (and 1st win only in September).
He really reversed the tendency only from end of August or beginning of September and then becomes dominant again.

So clearly, at the moment Latvala made his preliminary choice, Lappi had better outings in Rally2 (even if, as I said, their goals were not the same in the category which can be tricky). Rally Finland was only a sort of validation job interview for Lappi who had the most convincing Rally2 outings until August (among him, Mikkelsen, Huttunen and Suninen who were the most evoked names).

[cali]

- Actually until Finland Mikkelsen drove much more kms in WRC than Lappi in 2021, and some 6-10 testing days in 2020

- that one I find a bit funny. He drives two rallies and wins both, only one vs Mikkelsen and including being stuck in the snowbank and lucky to get out. And it's considered as more convincing than winning two championships at the same time with one less rally than anyone else and with more wins than anyone else.He crushed that 2-time champion on those 2 rallyes so yeah it was pretty convincing to say the least. He had nothing else to prove after he mopped the floor with Mikkelsen who looked like a kid who's candy was robbed

Nice huge norwegian classes btw :D

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

He crushed that 2-time champion on those 2 rallyes so yeah it was pretty convincing to say the least. He had nothing else to prove after he mopped the floor with Mikkelsen who looked like a kid who's candy was robbed

Nice huge norwegian classes btw :D

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

Counting to 2 isn't that hard is it?

Winning a single rally in your home country on a surface run on one rally in the championship means a driver is automatically better everywhere and has nothing to prove...

[cali]

Counting to 2 isn't that hard is it?

Winning a single rally in your home country on a surface run on one rally in the championship means a driver is automatically better everywhere and has nothing to prove...1) I don't recall EP being also Portuguese and if I can now count to 2...
2) that crushing was good enough for most of the fans and most important of all for TGR

Also being norwegian AM should be very familiar with snow and if I recall right all the excellent drivers were very good on unfamiliar rallyes (Loeb, Ogier etc)

I guess even in factory teams counting to convincing 2 is enough.

But go ahead, start your wordgames and twisting...

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Hiring a driver is not as simple as "this is the best performing driver out there". It's about getting a "package" and being there at the right place at the right time. Lappi has been with the team before, they know they can work together and he has a promising future. Also, he made contact to the team as early as after Arctic Rally Finland. We don't know whether Mikkelsen had his eggs in the basket of M-Sport all the time or started negotiating only later? Also, Lappi is still under the wings of Even Management but does Mikkelsen now manage himself? Finally, Mikkelsen's Hyundai career could have hurt his reputation, when he made quite many mistakes and had rallies where he was out of pace (also on gravel), whereas one could have expected him to be on a rally-winning level having been at VW's team for many years.

[Päss1928]

Finally, Mikkelsen's Hyundai career could have hurt his reputation, when he made quite many mistakes and had rallies where he was out of pace (also on gravel), whereas one could have expected him to be on a rally-winning level having been at VW's team for many years.

This is the key point here imo. For some reason, all Rally1 teams seem to have lost faith in Mikkelsen, similar to Meeke, Ostberg etc. Still good drivers, but nobody is willing to give them another chance in Rally1.

[dimviii]

This is the key point here imo. For some reason, all Rally1 teams seem to have lost faith in Mikkelsen, similar to Meeke, Ostberg etc. Still good drivers, but nobody is willing to give them another chance in Rally1.

Mikkelsen wasnt the driver that would go to court Hyundai when there was a problem with his contract?

[Danny0405]

Mikkelsen wasnt the driver that would go to court Hyundai when there was a problem with his contract?

There were some tension between his management and Hyundai because Adamo wanted him to skip some rallies whereas Mikkelsen’s management said he has a full-time contract.
But it was solved in the end.

I think the issue is more about the number of valuable seats that is very limited after Citroen exit:
- Hyundai decided to hire Tanak after a new Neuville failure to bring the WDC and their 3rd car strategy with Sordo/Loeb/Breen helped to clinch the 2019 manufacturer title so no big need to keep Mikkelsen (and 2020 proves them to be right)
- Toyota needed a big name after Tanak leaves so Ogier was the only one. Then, Evans was more convincing than Mikkelsen in 2019 (the same number of points in the same number of rallies but less favorable calendar for Evans and Evans close to the win in Corsica).
And Rovanpera was so hyped than it was difficult not to take the risk.
- For M-Sport, Lappi had the big advantage of being free and M-Sport didn’t have money to spend on a driver in the last 2 years of the old regulation.

And for 2021, the changes were not that big except Breen to M-Sport (but Breen was more secured in terms of recent performance) and Lappi to Toyota (not idiot for the reasons already evoked).
And M-Sport cannot pay for 2nd and 3rd driver (or didn’t want to).

The only case which is questionable is Solberg vs. Mikkelsen. Maybe the past tense relations between Mikkelsen and Adamo has played a big role in the decision.

[AnttiL]

The only case which is questionable is Solberg vs. Mikkelsen. Maybe the past tense relations between Mikkelsen and Adamo has played a big role in the decision.

Solberg brings lots of positive media attention and maybe even Monster sponsor money? Also he's a definite future prospect worth investing in.

[denkimi]

Solberg brings lots of positive media attention and maybe even Monster sponsor money? Also he's a definite future prospect worth investing in.
Yes, in a 4th car. Not as a driver who has to help win the title.

[AnttiL]

Yes, in a 4th car. Not as a driver who has to help win the title.

That's a different question altogether.

[Kaps]

Katsuta's team is called Toyota Gazoo racing World Rally Team NG.

NG stands for next generation, if I'm correct?

[PLuto]

Katsuta's team is called Toyota Gazoo racing World Rally Team NG.

NG stands for next generation, if I'm correct?

Yes, you are correct.

[Kaps]

Thanks!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sebastian Ogier -The Final Season film is out ..

https://www.redbull.com/int-en/films/sebastien-ogier-the-final-season

[EstWRC]

Congrats for making a good car again and having good drivers

Easy walk for both championships again

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And they still haven't prioritised performance !

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-yet-to-prioritize-performance-development-in-2022/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The secret Toyota that could have dominated the WRC (2021):

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/the-secret-toyota-that-could-have-dominated-the-wrc/10348067/

Not really a secret as we saw it testing. But what an ultimate rally weapon this car would've been !

[mknight]

My understanding was that the road car was basically modified to give the WRC car big advantage. (One clearly visible one is the sloping roof for more air to the rear wing).

Fowler mentions this as well.

With total Toyota domination Hyundai might have never even started Rally1 car.

[pantealex]

National Lahti (Historic) Rally (in Finland that is) next weekend
all 3 new TGR NG drivers with Clio Rally4
+ #164 Kazuki Nakajima - Aaron Johnston with Yaris

entries:
https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionEnrollListPlain.aspx?id=15192

[240RS]

Toyota have supposedly had a good season, but closer introspection reveals a glaring weakness:

1. Kalle Rovanpera has accounted for all five of Toyota's victories.
2. Even if Rovanpera were to miss the next three rounds and the next best placed Toyota (Evans) won all the remaining rounds plus power stages, the Finn would still finish a point ahead in the title series.
3. The lead Toyota driver has scored points on every round, even when he hasn't exactly completed the course.

The obvious question here must be; where would Toyota be without their young prodigy???

[Eli]

Toyota have supposedly had a good season, but a closer introspection reveals a glaring weakness:

1. Kalle Rovanperä has accounted for all five of Toyota's victories.
2. Even if Rovanperä was to miss the next three rounds and the next best placed Toyota (Evans) won all the remaining rounds plus power stages, the Finn would still finish a point ahead in the title series.
3. The lead Toyota driver has scored points on every round, even when he hasn't exactly completed the course.

The obvious question here must be, where would Toyota be without their young prodigy???

Still relying on Ogier for another season? Maybe Evans would fair better had Rovanperä not be in the team, I mean, he's probably feeling the pressure of someone 10+ years younger than him outperforming him on every single rally (almost), it seems Evans handled the pressure better when Ogier was his main challenger.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans doesn't seem to have gelled as well with the hybrid car as he did with the last Yaris. He has the experience and the determination so I think the car is more of his problem.

[masa90]

Evans had great speed both in Monte and Sweden. He made some silly mistakes and the ball started to roll from there on. Now he seems to had some idea with driving again, but seemed like he maybe lost the confidence for a while?

[AnttiL]

If Toyota are third and sixth in manu points in Catalunya, they are manufacturer champions, even if Hyundai gets 1-2 on overall rally results and power stage. And remember that sixth place could come through super rally, because overall position does not matter, only the order of manufacturer cars, two best per team.

Also, if they just cruise through the two last rallies in "grandma to church" speed or road mode, they would still get sixth and seventh place points (with two Hyundais, two M-Sports and Katsuta ahead of them). And that would be also enough for the title even if Hyundai gets aforementioned 1-2 on both rallies.

[EstWRC]

Congrats for making a good car again and having good drivers

Easy walk for both championships again

written on May 21st and wasnt wrong

Congrats again! I have to say i feel a little envy watching them celebrate every time but they totally deserve it

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221112/3bf0c546794b002cfbab134cd4dacc8e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221112/dc471b11d8795abfb9047f78716b8ca0.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221112/8e8637eb58bce0dbc5976afa8c1af343.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221112/04d4a8ca53756accf7a4a794752908cb.jpg

[cali]

Nicee!

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[TypeR]

Rally2 testing
https://youtu.be/q-LAmxkMaWM

[Sergiow]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/news-bilder/2019/Toyota-Yaris-Rally2-2.jpg

[SubaruNorway]

Rally2 testing
https://youtu.be/q-LAmxkMaWM

Rally2 with rally3 engine?

[EstWRC]

I wonder if they will get a better weatherman for next season…

[bandit12]

Wasn't that Kamenik dude with their team?
That convicted bladder specialist?

[cali]

Huuge gap between Kamenik and Hannes (Bluuford). End of that discussion

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Sulland]

Rally2 with rally3 engine?

Hard to say. We dont know the pupose of the test. It could just be a system test for a spesific part of the car. For instance 4wd system, suspension or something.
For that they just use a stock GR Yaris engine, with a better exhaust, and the full spec Rally2 engine comes later in the testing plan.

[HKSjbg]

Rally2 with rally3 engine?

I did find it a little surprising that it had a 3-cyl engine; a modified 1.6l engine doesn’t seem the best way to go for a formula where you are allowed to more heavily modify an engine. Everyone else has taken a bigger engine, usually 2.0, and shortened the stroke

[pantealex]

I did find it a little surprising that it had a 3-cyl engine; a modified 1.6l engine doesn’t seem the best way to go for a formula where you are allowed to more heavily modify an engine. Everyone else has taken a bigger engine, usually 2.0, and shortened the stroke

Does Toyota have bigger turbo benzine engine than Yaris GR engine ?
(Supra 2.0/3.0 are both BMW engines)
Using WRC/Rally1 engine is forbidden by regulations

[HKSjbg]

It doesn’t need to be already turbocharged does it? I thought the original Fiesta R5 engine (and maybe still current Rally2) was just a 2.0 n/a motor with shortened stroke, turbo added, etc etc.

[becher]

It doesn’t need to be already turbocharged does it? I thought the original Fiesta R5 engine (and maybe still current Rally2) was just a 2.0 n/a motor with shortened stroke, turbo added, etc etc.

Think so too, but not every n/a engine is suitable for that treatment.

[HKSjbg]

True, but my point was it doesn’t have to be a turbocharged production engine. Unless I’m wrong about that aspect of the regs

[manthey]

Also the new bmw LmdH engine comes from a former n/a Dtm engine

[WRCStan]

True, but my point was it doesn’t have to be a turbocharged production engine. Unless I’m wrong about that aspect of the regs

Does even any part of the engine have to be a production?

[RS]

Does even any part of the engine have to be a production?

For Rally2, yes.

[WRCStan]

For Rally2, yes.

I guess nothing more than the block then.

[Allez Andruet]

https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1593454521316950016?t=z0K3VMba2nlkIIf0D9pTqQ&s=19

So 1 of 3 is now clear. Full season for Rovanperä, Evans and Katsuta while Ogier drives what he wants and for those events Toyota will enter four cars. Just as expected.

[TypeR]

And that announcement was worth waiting so long :D

If Evans doesn't step up his game, then Kalle has to perform at least as good as this year.
This line-up doesn't seem unbeatable tho.

[EstWRC]

A sigh of relief for whole Finland after this announcement

[TypeR]

A sigh of relief for whole Finland after this announcement
Don't have to write articles about Tänak anymore and worry about Kalle not winning next 14 titles :D

[cali]

I really thought Tänak was going to Toyota but it still remains if he will go to M-Sport which I HOPED or retire.

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[Rallyest]

Now the question is, if someone and who will drive the next gen toyota when katsuta is the points man.

Maybe someone who helps to develop the Rally2 GR yaris when not doing rallies?

[EstWRC]

Eh?

[Allez Andruet]

Now the question is, if someone and who will drive the next gen toyota when katsuta is the points man.

Most likely no-one. The whole NG thing was built around Katsuta and there's no need for that in 2023.

[Rallyest]

Most likely no-one. The whole NG thing was built around Katsuta and there's no need for that in 2023.

Probably, but i hope you are wrong and they would give someone young a chance to learn in the strongest car, considering the championship and the lack of competition coming soon it would be good to develop someone new and a challenger for Kalle for years to come

[AMSS]

Now the question is, if someone and who will drive the next gen toyota when katsuta is the points man.

Maybe someone who helps to develop the Rally2 GR yaris when not doing rallies?

They need a proper test driver with experience from current R5 cars for the Rally 2 project, and who better than 1 of the 3 drivers who have been testing for Skodas new car..

[mknight]

And that announcement was worth waiting so long :D

If Evans doesn't step up his game, then Kalle has to perform at least as good as this year.
This line-up doesn't seem unbeatable tho.


A sigh of relief for whole Finland after this announcement
I actually thought you wrote England....

Anyway huge sigh of relief from me that we will have a championship, cause as TypeR says, while strong this lineup indeed doesn't seem unbeatable. Specially considering both Evans and Ogier performances this year.

Now let's hope MSport is not going full money saving.

[jonkka]

Thank god Toyota was sensible like I believed them to be.

[EstWRC]

Latvalas dream team

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221118/d735f4afdf47c4e014043261f4a2f34c.jpg

[Managarium]

Now that Lappi is out, maybe next year we could see Toyota in Red Bull livery? :cool:

[AnttiL]

I think the rules state that a driver can't score points for both the main team and the satellite team within the same season. Thus Toyota wouldn't have a "NG Team" in 2024 at all, Katsuta would be just driving a fourth non-scoring car in Ogier's rallies.

[WRCfi]

https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/esapekka-lappi-kertoo-miten-joutui-toyotalla-heittopussin-rooliin-veivattiin-moneen-otteeseen/8574484

EP talks about his time at Toyota. Says he was being pushed around because Seb couldn't make up his mind and it wasn't always clear which rounds EP was allowed to drive.

For example regarding Safari it went like this: at first Seb was willing to drive, then it was EP who should've been there and then when all the plans were in place already Seb suddenly changed his mind again.

Apparently it would've been more or less the same story next year because in TV he said he wasn't offered any specific number of events by Toyota.

https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/esapekka-lapilta-melkoinen-pomppu-tuore-hyundai-kuski-paljastaa-nyt-mita-pari-vuotta-sitten-tapahtui-tama-on-huvittavaa/8574432

More of EP's thoughts here. Reveals that there was even an end-of-career party organized at Jyväskylä in December 2020 when he thought he was done in WRC. And btw his first Hyundai test is scheduled on Wednesday.

https://www.rallit.fi/lapin-loikka-vihollisen-leiriin-tuli-toyotan-wrc-tiimille-yllatyksena-he-tekivat-esapekalle-hyvan-tarjouksen/

Latvala states the obvious. When full season at Hyundai was in play for EP there was nothing Toyota could've done to match the offer.

[mknight]

But all of this just confirms that he actually left voluntarily and wasn't kicked.

(After he said.he would rather stay at home than drive a Hyundai)

Rather risky move.

[Sal yet again]

So when is Gus Greensmith likley to be announced as the 4th/renta-driver at Toyota?!

[pantealex]

So when is Gus Greensmith likley to be announced as the 4th/renta-driver at Toyota?!

Hopefully never!

[Sergiow]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/news-bilder/2019/Toyota-Yaris-Rally2-2.jpg
The very same Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda from the above Rally Japan 2022 picture is now dropping a bombshell in the Wall Street Journal which might have a big influence on the course of the future WRC:

Toyota Chief Says ‘Silent Majority’ Has Doubts About Pursuing Only EVs

"Global car companies have made a sharp pivot to electric vehicles within the last few years, driven in part by the success of EV-only maker Tesla Inc.

Traditional auto makers such as Toyota, Ford and GM are also facing new competition from startups such as Rivian Automotive and Lucid Group Inc., which make EVs exclusively and have captivated Wall Street in recent years.

At the same time, the legacy auto makers have a much broader base of customers, including many living in rural areas and developing economies with unreliable electricity supplies.

And their gas-engine businesses are still driving the bulk of profits needed to fund the costly shift to electric vehicles, which not only requires the development of new models but also construction of new facilities and battery plants."

https://www.wsj.com/articles/toyota-president-says-silent-majority-has-doubts-about-pursuing-only-evs-11671372223?mod=e2li

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Given the above, Ford could be in serious trouble as they are going all-in on EV's. These may not be the future panacea for transport after all... and Toyoda should know.

[jiipee64]

The very same Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda from the above Rally Japan 2022 picture is now dropping a bombshell in the Wall Street Journal which might have a big influence on the course of the future WRC:

Toyota Chief Says ‘Silent Majority’ Has Doubts About Pursuing Only EVs

"Global car companies have made a sharp pivot to electric vehicles within the last few years, driven in part by the success of EV-only maker Tesla Inc.

Traditional auto makers such as Toyota, Ford and GM are also facing new competition from startups such as Rivian Automotive and Lucid Group Inc., which make EVs exclusively and have captivated Wall Street in recent years.

At the same time, the legacy auto makers have a much broader base of customers, including many living in rural areas and developing economies with unreliable electricity supplies.

And their gas-engine businesses are still driving the bulk of profits needed to fund the costly shift to electric vehicles, which not only requires the development of new models but also construction of new facilities and battery plants."

https://www.wsj.com/articles/toyota-president-says-silent-majority-has-doubts-about-pursuing-only-evs-11671372223?mod=e2li

Any chance getting the whole article??

[Franky]

Any chance getting the whole article??

Here. Different news outlet but the story seams to be exactly identical, including same author. (https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2466152/toyota-chief-says-silent-majority-has-doubts-about-pursuing-only-evs)

[EstWRC]

Fowler about the upgrades https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-makes-aero-and-engine-changes-for-2023/

[Eli]

https://t.co/FFZg0qOCKE?ssr=true

There’s no new sponsorship deals for this year right?

[Essaj]

https://t.co/FFZg0qOCKE?ssr=true

There’s no new sponsorship deals for this year right?

Prada as the main sponsor :vader:

[EstWRC]

ok so Toyota will be revealing the car on friday

i guess M-sport then either tomorrow or next week

[Rallyest]

2359

Sooo, everyone start attacking toyota now for not changing their corporate livery ? :D

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/0abd5326b3b9f667f8c185e7f71c8893.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/767b8fdd09694dd6d000eec22b564462.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/15dd15e585e1e4e7b01a881f1d7a23ea.jpg

[DoN_cz]

Looks like they hired the same photographer/retoucher as Hyundai :D

https://opu.peklo.biz/p/23/01/13/1673599809-e2fe0.jpg

[Eli]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/0abd5326b3b9f667f8c185e7f71c8893.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/767b8fdd09694dd6d000eec22b564462.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230113/15dd15e585e1e4e7b01a881f1d7a23ea.jpg

As usual, it's up to M-Sport to spice things up again, I still don't know why Toyota bother even bothers with an unveiling when it looks literally the same (minus the fat air vents).

[cali]

Mad photoshopping skills in rallying hehe

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[bandit12]

Those blue stickers on front bumper are really awkward.

[ictus]

Those blue stickers on front bumper are really awkward.

but they add horsepower

[bandit12]

but they add horsepower
Those cars would fly, if they only added drivers flags to the roof scoop

[[WRCRR]]

Interesting that nobody is talking about the lack of DMG Mori sponsorship...basically they are now running the livery Katsuta used to run.

[cali]

;1316661']Interesting that nobody is talking about the lack of DMG Mori sponsorship...basically they are now running the livery Katsuta used to run.Toyota has budget cuts, that's why they are renting out the 4th car.
But no sponsors seems to be very odd

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[bandit12]

Well... They could always have Peniston Oil and Larsen Cookies....

[dimviii]

But even when he’s in the manufacturer car, if Katsuta leads on merit, he’ll likely not be asked to move aside for Rovanperä or Evans.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/katsuta-can-win-this-year-and-team-orders-wont-stop-him/

[dimviii]

Sébastien Ogier
@SebOgier
·
40m
���� ���������� ���� �������������� ��

Not every day you get a road car named after you!! Really excited to have my own special edition of the Toyota #GRYaris. It was a pleasure to work on this project, big thanks to all involved and Morizo-san! I love it ��

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmX42eeWAAAA4zb?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmX42eiWABkHfvp?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmX42ebXoAEhlzs?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmX42ekWABseMww?format=jpg&name=large

[TypeR]

Kalle's edition is all cool and logical, but why Ogier's one?
He hasn't got a title with this car..(gr yaris)

[bandit12]

Pure marketing.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fmw7T5xagAAWgbi?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fmw7T5vaEAEa2u0?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fmw7T5waYAUPChB?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lots of small changes to help Elfyn Evans improve in the Yaris Rally1 this season...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-exactlys-been-done-to-help-evans/

[sinepikohv]

Some good quotes from Toyota's engineer Kevin Struyf about the development work concerning 2023:

1. While top speed is never the most important thing, Toyota wanted to improve up on it to have more performance in the faster rounds. They have more drag this year thanks to the removal of two air intakes.
2. Jokers that have been used so far for 2023: improved engine, a new differential setting and an improved chassis that improves front geometry on tarmac.

[becher]

Some good quotes from Toyota's engineer Kevin Struyf about the development work concerning 2023:

1. While top speed is never the most important thing, Toyota wanted to improve up on it to have more performance in the faster rounds. They have more drag this year thanks to the removal of two air intakes.
2. Jokers that have been used so far for 2023: improved engine, a new differential setting and an improved chassis that improves front geometry on tarmac.
You mean less drag right?

[sinepikohv]

Yes, of course, sorry. In my defence it was late at night :D

[M3 Jambo]

Akio Toyoda has announced he's stepping down as President & CEO of Toyota. He is staying on as Chairman so hopefully, it will not affect the WRC programme going forward.

[fiscorpun]

Is there any plans for Toyota to test their rally2 car on Hydrogen? Or to test the Hydrogen car up to a Rally2 specs?

[ouvreur]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyotas-promise-that-unlocked-rovanperas-domination/

Isn't this a bit premature?

Hyundai's fastest driver was 1 minute closer to Kalle in Estonia this year than they were last year.

I appreciate the events are quite different in character, but if Dirtfish feel like what we saw in Estonia was Toyota being ready to win in Finland, don't the times tell a different story?

[meh]

Last year in Estonia
* from 1min 55sec total loss Tänak to Rovanperä was 40sec only in PowerStage and 10sec penalty.
* there was no intense fight for positions like this year - probably more safe and slower driving

Last year in Finland
* Rovanperä had some setup issues in the beginning and disadvantage from start position
* Tänak drove over the limits a lot. Can not expect all this happen again (with successful outcome).

For sure Toyota is more ready and try to avoid mistakes from last year.

Hyundai does not have Tänak anymore, but have Lappi and also Neuville did well in Estonia. Do Neuville handles well jumping to blind corners, we will see soon.

From Tänak and M-Sport we don't know what to expect actually...

[ouvreur]

Last year in Estonia
* from 1min 55sec total loss Tänak to Rovanperä was 40sec only in PowerStage and 10sec penalty.
* there was no intense fight for positions like this year - probably more safe and slower driving

Last year in Finland
* Rovanperä had some setup issues in the beginning and disadvantage from start position
* Tänak drove over the limits a lot. Can not expect all this happen again (with successful outcome).

For sure Toyota is more ready and try to avoid mistakes from last year.

Hyundai does not have Tänak anymore, but have Lappi and also Neuville did well in Estonia. Do Neuville handles well jumping to blind corners, we will see soon.

From Tänak and M-Sport we don't know what to expect actually...

It looks to me like Tanak and Lappi will both be in the fight. It just depends - will Tanak's car hold together, and can Lappi operate the i20 as Tanak did last year, on or over the limit, for three days?

[meh]

It looks to me like Tanak and Lappi will both be in the fight. It just depends - will Tanak's car hold together, and can Lappi operate the i20 as Tanak did last year, on or over the limit, for three days?

As the topic is Toyota here, then - with statements and attitude - if Toyota will not win Finland, it's their huge failure and if someone else will win, it's their huge success. So it is a bit self-generated pressure and they need to deliver. At the moment seems highly likely that they (well, Rovanperä) will.

[janneppi]

Rally Finland is a bit problematic for Kalle, he has solid lead in the standings but can't afford to take too many stupid risks.

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