Toyota announces WRC plans

[RS]

For the testing roads I agree, base in Finland would be the closest to the best Rally roads in the world. I slightly remember some interview in the past with a Finnish driver answering why the Finns are the best drivers in the world, and he said just because we have all variety of Rally roads and weather conditions in Finland..... but that was probably at least 15 years ago and probably Makkinen was the driver.

Is that even true though? Is Finland not mostly fast, smooth gravel roads? (this is a genuine question but it is all i have seen)

I rather thought this is why the Finnish have struggled in recent years if they do not get out of Finland quick enough.

[stefanvv]

Is that even true though? Is Finland not mostly fast, smooth gravel roads? (this is a genuine question but it is all i have seen)

I rather thought this is why the Finnish have struggled in recent years if they do not get out of Finland quick enough.

Yes, I agree the roads are quite similar in nature, but I was meaning they're best for testing the cars suspension mostly, travel, strength, behaviour; chassis rolling, etc, etc. For the drivetrain & engine torque probably best would be some tarmac tests, in Finland sure have these as well, not much used for Rally though. May be German tarmac could used more proper for that....

[dimviii]

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

if the decide to hand the project to tommi then it will just become a half arsed job with no potential like mini.

Let's hope Toyota has a long term WRC program, unlike a certain German manufacturer

[Simmi]

Initial three-year programme with a strong budget is what Colin Clark said today.

[N.O.T]

Initial three-year programme with a strong budget is what Colin Clark said today.

most of which will be spent on english lessons for tommi to be able to communicate properly...

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

most of which will be spent on english lessons for tommi to be able to communicate properly...

Not only for Tommi, but also the Japanese drivers, executives, etc.
Probably we'll see GT86 instead of Yaris (thanks to executive meddling)

[dimviii]

Τeemu/Rallirinki.net
‏@HartusvuoriWRC
Toyota and Tommi Mäkinen are expected to anniunce the location of their HQ in July. It could be in Finland. http://yle.fi/uutiset/kisa_toyotan_r...uumana/8187827 … #WRC

[makinen_fan]

A detailed interview with Makinen about the plans. Apparently the team will be based in Jyvaskyla and both an R5 and WRC will be developed at the same time. Michael Zotos will be the chief designer and technical director.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/wm/nach...nen-die-tests/

[Allyc85]

Probably we'll see GT86 instead of Yaris (thanks to executive meddling)

I hope so!!