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The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) World Rally Team (WRT) clinched the top place at the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship’s (WRC) Rally de Portugal following an exhilarating contest over a sequence of rapid, challenging gravel stages. Sébastien Ogier, navigating with co-driver Vincent Landais in the No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle, secured an unprecedented sixth triumph at the Rally de Portugal.
Ogier has now exceeded all other drivers in WRC victories at Rally de Portugal, having equaled Finnish legend Markku Alén’s record of five wins back in 2017. Meanwhile, TGR-WRT has secured victory in the last five editions of the event with four different drivers.
Akio Toyoda, TGR-WRT Chairman, said: “Seb, Vincent, congratulations on your two consecutive wins in Portugal! No matter how tough the gravel surface was, Seb was always calm. No matter how close and electrifying the competition was, Seb was always smiling to the fans. When something happened, he calmly informed the engineers about the situation and got back to the stage. Then he comes back to the finish line faster than anyone else. I am grateful to have such a "true professional" driver in our team. Seb, thank you again.”
Toyoda added: This weekend the good thing which made me happy was that the team was calmer than before, whatever kind of problem they were facing. Many things happened during the weekend, but I heard everyone tried to stay calm and find a solution. It is nice to see the team grow. The team gets stronger as each member gets stronger, and as the team gets stronger, the Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 Hybrid Electric Vehicle will become ever better and stronger.”
After trailing by just 1 second at the end of Day One, Ogier surged to the front on the morning of Day Two as his competitors encountered difficulties. Leveraging his extensive experience, he navigated through the longest day of the rally, amassing an 11.9-second advantage. Ogier further extended his lead with an impressive stage win in foggy conditions on the morning of Day Three, ultimately securing victory with a 7.9-second gap.
TGR-WRT is rejoicing in Portugal with a double triumph, marking the inaugural WRC2 victory for the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 Hybrid Electric Vehicle on its debut on gravel at this competitive level.
Throughout the years, Toyota has engaged in various forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Prior to April 2015, Toyota's involvement in these events was managed by separate entities within the company. However, in April 2015, Toyota established TGR to streamline and unify all of its motorsports activities under one internal brand.
TGR embodies Toyota's philosophy that 'the roads build the people, and the people build the cars.' It emphasizes the significance of motorsports as a core element of Toyota's commitment to continuously improving its vehicles. Drawing upon extensive experience gained from the demanding conditions of various motorsports competitions, TGR strives to develop innovative technologies and solutions. These endeavors aim to bring the thrill, excitement, and sense of liberation associated with driving to people worldwide.
The sixth round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship is Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 2. This event is renowned for its fast yet narrow gravel stages, presenting a formidable challenge to competitors. The combination of high temperatures and abrasive surfaces exerts considerable strain on both vehicles and tires throughout the rally.
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