TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Achieves Podium Finish at Central European Rally

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) has once again demonstrated its competitive edge at the Central European Rally, securing an outstanding podium finish. Elfyn Evans, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, drove the No. 33 GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle to victory, underscoring the team’s consistency and strategic prowess in the penultimate stage of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, stated: “To the team and all our fans, our slogan at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is ‘We hate to lose!’  and will never give up. We will definitely win at Rally Japan!”

The Central European Rally, renowned for its challenging asphalt paths and unpredictable conditions, was a testament to the resilience and strategic expertise of TGR-WRT. Piloting the No. 33 GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin displayed consistent performance throughout, navigating the complexities of the Czech and German stages with precision. Starting from seventh place, Evans’s adept handling and strategic prowess saw him climb the ranks, setting the fastest time in the damp Strašín stage, and ending in second overall amidst fiercely competitive and slippery conditions.

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 ‎Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established TGR, ‎to consolidate all of its motorsport’s activities under one in-house brand. Representing ‎Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build people, and the people build cars, TGR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to ‎making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme conditions of various motorsports events, TGR aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

The final showdown of this season will be at Rally Japan, to be held from November 21-24 on the demanding asphalt roads of the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, near Nagoya. TGR-WRT is poised to end the season on a high note, leveraging their home advantage and the support of local fans.

Race Notes:

• No. 33 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Elfyn Evans & Scott Martin)
• Position: 2nd Time: 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 41.6 seconds