SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 29, 2025 –Toyota Gazoo Racing has solidified its position as a dominant force in the World Rally Championship (WRC), distinguishing itself through a deep commitment to integrating its motorsport endeavors with its road car development. This dedication has yielded remarkable results, including the creation of high-performance vehicles like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the critically acclaimed GR86, all celebrated for their exceptional driving dynamics.
In an exclusive interview with PMW at the Monte Carlo Rally season opener, Toyota Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala shed light on the symbiotic relationship between the racing team and the manufacturer, emphasizing its unique nature and the myriad benefits it brings.
A Unique Partnership
"We have a very close relationship [with the road car department]," Latvala explains. "Their philosophy for participating in motorsport with GR is to learn from our rally experiences and implement those learnings into the GR passenger cars."
This approach, Latvala notes, sets Toyota apart from many other manufacturers involved in racing. "In the past, racing was primarily a marketing tool. But when it's just marketing, it's easy to invest and just as easy to pull the plug. When you have a direct link to road cars, it signifies a greater commitment. It's a win-win for both the rally team and GR road cars."
Latvala points out that this integrated approach was more common in the 1990s, particularly in rallying. "More car manufacturers were doing it then – Lancia, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru. But we've lost that, and now it's really only Toyota and Ford who are still committed to this model."
Benefits Beyond the Track
This continuous exchange of information between racing and road cars offers numerous advantages. For instance, the methodologies and approaches developed in the demanding world of rallying can be adapted for road car development, proving particularly valuable in an era of increasingly compressed production cycles.
"If you look at the development timeline for 2027, we have just two years to develop a new car. With the hybrid cars, it was even less – only a year and a half. Traditionally, production cycles have been quite long, but they've had to shorten them. I believe the lessons learned through motorsport can be instrumental in aiding production car development," Latvala muses.
The flow of knowledge goes both ways. The production team has also contributed to the racing team's success, most notably in the development of the GR Yaris Rally2 car. "We're receiving support from the Toyota Production System on their road car development methods, and we've tried to implement those to expedite the development of our rally car. Of course, having the solid foundation of the GR Yaris was a significant advantage."
Navigating the Powertrain Landscape
Toyota's "multi-pathway" approach to powertrains in its production cars gives the rally team a strategic edge, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of regulations, such as the ongoing debate surrounding Rally1 hybrids in 2024.
"I think the multi-pathway approach is excellent because it keeps all our options open. We've seen in the industry that maybe 4-5 years ago, everyone was heavily focused on electric. Now, that momentum has slowed somewhat, and we still don't know what the best solution for the future will be. So, keeping all our options open, all the doors open, is crucial for staying competitive."
Impact of the 2027 WRC Rules
With new Rally1 regulations confirmed for 2027, emphasizing significant cost reduction, Toyota is already diligently working on its next-generation challenger.
"It's approaching quickly," Latvala remarks. "The crucial thing was finalizing these rules in December. Overall, I see many positives in the new regulations. The primary objective is to lower car prices significantly, which should help attract more privateers and potentially entice new manufacturers to join the championship."
The introduction of a common tube chassis, which teams must make available to other manufacturers upon request, coupled with strict cost controls on various components and the use of Rally2-derived powertrains, appears to be a widely welcomed move. However, Latvala offers a note of caution.
"We need to ensure that what looks good on paper translates well into reality. The target price of 350,000 Euros [compared to around 850,000 Euros currently] is very optimistic, perhaps a bit too optimistic. If we aim for around 500,000 Euros, I think that would be more realistic for a Rally1 car and still represent a considerable cost reduction."
Latvala also highlights that the running costs of the cars are under scrutiny. "We've been discussing that the most expensive parts are the carbon fiber parts, especially when you damage the car. Replacing things like quarter panels or a rear wing is very costly. There's been discussion about using cheaper materials to keep running costs lower. That decision hasn't been made yet, but it's being actively discussed."
Conclusion
Toyota's commitment to a close relationship between its motorsport and road car divisions is not just a strategic advantage but a core philosophy. This approach fosters innovation, accelerates development, and ultimately delivers exciting and high-performing vehicles for both the rally stage and the road. As the WRC evolves, Toyota's dedication to this integrated model positions it as a leader in the sport and a driving force in the automotive industry.