Toyota Dominates Japan WRC Rally with 1-2-3 Finish
The recently concluded “Japan Rally Eight Forum 2023”, held in Aichi and Gifu precincts, saw Toyota’s impressive performance as they clinched the top three spots in the prestigious event. The final result was won by car No. 33 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rali 1 Hybrid), securing a convincing victory after leading from the second day.
In second place was car No. 17 with Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Lande, while third place went to car No. 69 with Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Haruttunen, reaffirming Toyota’s stronghold in the rally circuit.
Despite facing setbacks, Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rali 1 Hybrid) in car No. 18 displayed resilience by delivering back-to-back fastest SS times and ultimately finishing in 5th place.
The victory further solidifies the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team’s dominance in the 2023 WRC season, securing the drivers’ championship, co-drivers’ championship, and manufacturer’s championship. This marks the fourth Manufacturers’ Championship for TGR-WRT in three consecutive years, and the seventh overall for Toyota.
Chairman and Representative Director of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda, expressed his gratitude for the team’s success, emphasizing the significance of returning Toyota to rallying and his passion for Rally Japan.
Comment from Chairman Akio Toyoda
Question: Tell us about the Japan Rally results and your thoughts on this season’s Triple Crown Champion.
Chairman Akio Toyoda: This is not the result we were hoping for. I would like to express my gratitude to the team for their outstanding performance in Japan, showcasing the strength of a Japanese manufacturer and a Finnish-Japanese hybrid team. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the engineers, mechanics, and staff who supported us throughout the demanding season.
Winning the manufacturer’s championship for the fourth time since our return, and for the third consecutive year, while dominating the podium, is a remarkable achievement. As we approached the final race of Rally Japan, I took on various roles as chairman and team representative, laying the groundwork for sustainability and carbon neutrality.
The determination and resilience displayed by the team in challenging situations is truly inspiring. I am also grateful for the contributions of Jari-Matti Latvala, who added excitement to the WRC season and the Hokkaido Rally. Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.
As we reflect on this remarkable season, I want to commend everyone for their exceptional efforts and success.
Toyota finishes 1-2-3 in the Japan WRC Rally. Chairman Akio Toyoda also attended the awards ceremony.
The “Japan Rally Eight Forum 2023”, held in Aichi and Gifu precincts for four days between November 19 and 16, has reached its end. The final result was won by car No. 33 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rali 1 Hybrid), who had been in the lead since the second day.
Second place went to car No. 17 with Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Lande, and 3rd place to car No. 69 with Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Haruttunen, giving the Toyotas a while from the podium.
Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rali 1 Hybrid) in the No. 18 car, which was delayed by an accident in SS2 on day two, set back-to-back fastest SS times, quickly restoring the position dropped to near the end at one point.. In the end, he finished in 5th place.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team won three championships in the 2023 WRC season: drivers’ championship, co-drivers’ championship, and manufacturer’s championship. This is the Manufacturers’ Championship for TGR-WRT for the fourth time in three consecutive years, and the seventh time overall for Toyota.
I had the opportunity to ask Akio Toyoda, Chairman and Representative Director of Toyota Motor Corporation, about the results of this season and the results of the Japan Rally immediately after winning the race. Chairman Toyoda made the decision to return Toyota to rallying, and with his strong passion for Rally Japan, he was the driving force behind the event held in Japan.
Comment from Chairman Akio Toyoda
── (Tell us about the Japan Rally results and your thoughts on this season’s Triple Crown Champion)
Chairman Akio Toyoda: This is not the result we were hoping for. First of all, I would like to thank them (the team) for their ability to produce results in Japan, as a Japanese manufacturer, and as a Finnish-Japanese hybrid team.
Thanks to the many engineers, mechanics and staff who supported us through the 13 races in a year, we completed the 1 year journey in good health with no pull outs. I don’t think there is a better ending than this.
This is the manufacturer’s championship for the fourth time since the company’s return, and the third year in a row. Moreover, he dominated the podium.
This year, as we approach the final race of Rally Japan, I have served in various capacities as chairman and team representative. I also acted as a principal. We have also laid the groundwork for the Finnish foundation to become self-sufficient and carbon neutral.
I am grateful to see the players react in such a situation, and it gives me energy.
Latvala managed to take part in the WRC this year, and also took part in the Hokkaido Rally to add to the excitement. I think there are parts I can see and parts I can’t, but I’d like to tell everyone I did a good job.
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