TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[steve.mandzij]

I was wondering today, does anybody know why TMG handed over the Yaris program to Tommi Makinen?

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[macebig]

Well, guys in Japan thought TMG was behind in development of the Yaris. Makinen managed to persuade Akio Toyoda (Toyota's president), that he can do a better job than TMG.So, the Japanese gave the reigns of the WRC program to TMR.

[electroliquid]

About Tanak's break from WRC in 2013, nothing new, but still... https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...st-msport-exit

[Indreq]

When Ogier was king it was boring to watch honestly. Everyone knew they could not compete so they all lacked a bit of passion. The new cars are like Viagra for old dudes who haven’t popped a boner for years. They feel rejuvenated. Ready to win and the passion and energy is felt by the fans too.

Well said, i couldnt put it into words myself but i agree with this 100%

[Rally Power]

I was wondering today, does anybody know why TMG handed over the Yaris program to Tommi Makinen?

It was never told. Mr. Toyoda publicly launched TMG WRC program in January 2015 and annouced the switch only 6 months later. Besides Makinen lobbying and a possible negative feedback from TMG Yaris development (like macebig said), something more serious must have happened; Japanese companies usually don’t change their plans so drastically. I still believe it was Le Mans '15 disaster; it made them realize TMG should be 100% focused in wining Le Mans (they’re pretty close in 2016).

[Watson]

Japanese companies usually don’t change their plans so drastically.

A point proven by Toyota's vastly expensive and very disappointing F1 project. For years they were the biggest spenders there and it got them nowhere yet they didn't change anything about their strategy until they finally pulled the plug. The same with the Honda works team at around the same time and then the funny enough turnaround when Ross Brawn came, bought the team and turned them into worldbeaters.

[macebig]

Yes, TMG being totally outpaced by Audi and Porsche during 2015's LeMans 24h race, surely played a part on them losing the WRC program.

[spiderem]

So just wondering, non of the toyota boys are RedBull athlete? Seems odd since RedBull is highly present in all the other manufacturer...

[pantealex]

So just wondering, non of the toyota boys are RedBull athlete? Seems odd since RedBull is highly present in all the other manufacturer...

Well Puuppola (where Toyota HQ is) has under 1000 people, one of them is Kalle Rovanperä (RedBull athlete), they don´t need more...

[AnttiL]

https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutin...764#gs.So_uDZI

Mäkinen confirms they are negotiating with Nasser, saying it's quite possible it will happen but the decision is not made yet. Nasser would have a car that is in 2017 end spec but with added safety modifications of this year (RallySafe?).