Toyota announces WRC plans

[stefanvv]

I think the language barrier is getting in the way to be honest. All I was trying to say was that it's good to see new sponsors in the sport. Not sure why you couldn't let that stand.

Of course it is good. It is some start if You want to call it. But it is hardly a bigger deal than Shell & Castrol logos on current cars. That's all I'm saying.

[tomhlord]

The world of sponsorship has changed. Red Bull is an exception to the rule. In this day and age, it is all about 'strategic partnerships' and this is applying to all categories currently, not just WRC.

Also, the lack of Toyota branding is at first strange, until you see the WEC livery too. For Toyota in WEC, the funding comes from the R&D department, not the marketing team. Perhaps this is true of Gazzo Toyota in WRC?

[tomhlord]

Didn't Microsoft buy Nokia? Finnish connection..

Nope. They bought the phone division, which they have not closed. Nokia still exist separately.

[Rally Hokkaido]

From above


Apart from the 'Yaris' on the grill and the small side panel there isnt much advertising for Toyota on the livery...

The car is painted in the factory Gazoo Racing livery. The decision makers obviously think that that is sufficient advertising for Toyota fans (whom I believe they are aiming to connect with much more than the general public).

[GigiGalliNo1]

How is Red Bull an acceptation? If they're sponsoring and plastering their brand all over a car?!

[Allez Andruet]

Nice story about Toyota team written by giant Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat (in Finnish):

http://www.hs.fi/urheilu/a1476589796186

The story includes the first published pictures inside the workshop located in Puuppola in central Finland and some actual news as well:

According to Mäkinen...

- one of the drivers will be officially annouced "soon"

- contrary to earlier reports, the third car will debut in Corsica in April (not in Sweden as reported previously)

- the car and the team (presumably with the exception of the driver annouced earlier) will be revealed in Helsinki on December 13.

- four Yaris WRC's has been built so far

- Toyota wants to have a Japanese driver, but that will not happen anytime soon (Tommi says Hiroki Arai and Takamoto Katsuta are "not ready")

The writer of the story was allowed to take pictures of the car, but only from the side - it was forbidden to take any pictures of the front and rear of the car.

[N.O.T]

How stupid can someone be that hangs in the OFFICIAL teams garage pictures of a rival manufacturer ?

Is this whole joke family business for real ? they are a disgrace to the sport.

[Allez Andruet]

How stupid can someone be that hangs in the OFFICIAL teams garage pictures of a rival manufacturer ?

Is this whole joke family business for real ? they are a disgrace to the sport.

"Disgrace to the sport" = having a picture of the ex-world champ team principal driving in the WRC?

And yes... Toyota re-entering the WRC is "family business"

I think the only joke in this topic is you and your pathetic "input".

[Simmi]

Round four for the third car isn't too bad. We should have the 15 'works' WRCs by Portugal all being well.

[pantealex]

Round four for the third car isn't too bad. We should have the 15 'works' WRCs by Portugal all being well.

Citroen will have their 3rd car at round 6 (Portugal), so Toyota is quicker..