Toyota Kicks Off Rally Finland with Hydrogen Innovation and Competitive Heat
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team launched its campaign at Rally Finland in its home city of Jyväskylä, simultaneously debuting the groundbreaking GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept. The team received a warm reception from local fans at Wednesday evening’s ceremonial start, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Shakedown Sets the Pace
Thursday’s action began with a shakedown on the renowned jumps of the Ruuhimäki stage. Finnish rising star Sami Pajari initially set the fastest time in his TGR-WRT2 entry, while Takamoto Katsuta ultimately topped the timesheets after three full-speed runs, demonstrating the pace of the Toyota team.
Hydrogen Power Takes Center Stage
The opening of the rally featured a spectacular demonstration of the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept. Developed at Toyota Gazoo Racing’s nearby headquarters, the vehicle represents a commitment to both motorsports innovation and a carbon-neutral future. Powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, the concept car aims to deliver near-zero emissions without sacrificing the exhilarating sounds and sensations rally fans crave.
Four-time world champion and Deputy Team Principal Juha Kankkunen took the wheel for the demonstration run, with popular motoring journalist Richard Hammond riding alongside. This run provided fans with a firsthand glimpse into the potential of hydrogen as a viable fuel source for the future of motorsport.
Competitive Action Begins
Sébastien Ogier emerged as the fastest GR YARIS Rally1 driver in the first special stage (SS1), securing third position, closely followed by local favorite Kalle Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans and Katsuta tied for sixth place, just two seconds behind the leading time, with Pajari trailing by only one second in ninth.
“It’s an exciting moment to be at the start of Rally Finland,” a senior official stated. “There is so much support for our team and our drivers in our home area, especially here in the city on the Harju stage. The car feels good to drive and I think it’s good for the fans also.”
Elfyn Evans echoed the sentiment, noting, “We always have a very warm welcome here in Jyväskylä: it’s a special feeling as the home event for the team, and it’s a highlight on the calendar for me driving on such amazing roads.”
Kalle Rovanperä added, “It’s always super exciting to start Rally Finland. Already yesterday in the ceremonial start we saw so many fans and a lot of support, and again in this first stage tonight. In shakedown we had a pretty good feeling.”
Sébastien Ogier expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a pleasure to be at the start of this rally and driving on these magical roads – especially when you’re driving for the best team in the world! The support we feel from the fans is always big here.”
Takamoto Katsuta shared his confidence, stating, “This first stage was a nice one as usual with the great atmosphere from all the fans. In shakedown this morning I was not completely happy with the feeling at first, but then we made a few changes and the car felt even better and we were able to finish fastest.”
Sami Pajari concluded, “It’s always exciting to start the home rally. This first stage in the city is always quite tricky, but it’s also cool to see all the fans watching and cheering for us. I had a good feeling this morning on the shakedown.”
Day One Standings
As of 21:00 on Thursday, the standings were as follows:
- Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – 2m04.0s
- Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +1.3s
- Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +1.5s
- Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +1.7s
- Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +1.9s
- Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +2.0s
- Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +2.0s
- Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka (Ford Puma Rally1) – +2.7s
- Sami Pajari/Marko Salminen (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +3.0s
- Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1) – +3.2s
(For the latest results, please visit www.wrc.com).
What’s Ahead
Friday’s schedule includes a loop of four stages in the forests northeast of Jyväskylä, run twice. These stages – Laukaa, Myhinpää, Ruuhimäki, and Saarikas – will test the drivers’ skills on classic Rally Finland terrain. The day will conclude with a second pass of the Harju stage, preceded by another demonstration run of the innovative GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept.
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