TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is set to kick off the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship at Rallye Monte-Carlo from January 25-28. The team, aiming for continued success after securing manufacturers’, drivers’, and co-drivers’ titles in the past three years, has enhanced the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID for the new season. Notable updates include improvements to the engine’s low-speed response and torque curve. The car showcases a bold matte black livery.
In a notable change to the WRC points system for 2024, points will now be allocated based on positions at the end of Saturday, with a separate classification for Sunday’s stages. The rally-ending Power Stage remains, offering up to five bonus points.
TGR-WRT’s driver lineup for Rallye Monte-Carlo includes Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta. Ogier, who secured his ninth victory at the event in 2023, aims to continue his success. Evans, last year’s championship runner-up, and Katsuta, graduating from the TGR WRC Challenge Program, complete the formidable team.
Rallye Monte-Carlo, known for its demanding conditions, presents challenges with unpredictable weather, including ice and snow. The service park returns to Gap and the rally will feature stages to the east and west of Gap, with the iconic Col de Turini as the final stage.
The event also marks the competitive debut of the GR Yaris Rally2, with four cars fielded by customer teams. Special Edition GR Yaris models for Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä will be revealed in Monaco before the rally starts.
Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala expresses confidence in the team’s continuous development efforts and aims to secure the manufacturers’ championship. Drivers Evans and Katsuta anticipate challenges adapting to varying conditions during Rallye Monte-Carlo, while Ogier looks forward to the event’s unique demands.
The team is excited about the debut of the GR Yaris Rally2 and Special Edition GR Yaris models, emphasizing the importance of competition feedback for future development.
