A Documentary Chronicling the Year-Long Development of the GR Yaris Rally2: "Crafting People and Automobiles Through Roads"
In the world of motorsports, the development of the GR Yaris Rally2 is a significant milestone for Toyota and its Gazoo Racing team. Led by rally expert Norihiko Katsuta, this project aims to make high-performance rally cars accessible to private drivers, bridging the gap between top-tier racing and grassroots competition.
At the heart of this development is a principle instilled by Hiromu Naruse, a driving master from whom Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, inherited the philosophy, "Roads build people and cars." This principle can be felt on the front lines of the GR Yaris Rally2's development, driving the team to create a car that is not only competitive but also respectful of the drivers.
The development process for the GR Yaris Rally2 was a rigorous one, involving meticulous engineering and testing at Toyota’s various technical centers. The team blended motorsport technology from their top-tier programs and adapted it for the Rally2 car class. The focus was on homologation compliance, ensuring the GR Yaris Rally2 met strict FIA Rally2 specifications.
Experienced drivers like Jari-Matti Latvala and Takamoto Katsuta played a crucial role in refining the handling, powertrain, and durability characteristics of the GR Yaris Rally2. Their real-stage experience ensured the car was pushed to its performance and reliability limits before release for private use.
Upgrades including advanced aerodynamics and chassis tuning were also implemented, showcased during events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025. These improvements demonstrate Toyota’s philosophy of technology transfer from motorsport to consumer and semi-professional rally machines.
Norihiko Katsuta's role was pivotal in fine-tuning the GR Yaris Rally2 to make it highly competitive yet accessible. He struck a balance between cutting-edge rally technology and the practical needs of privateers aiming to compete effectively in WRC2 and other Rally2 categories.
Katsuta's relentless pursuit of perfection led to the discovery of several defects during his rallies, including a "huge blunder" from a crash, an exhaust leak, and deteriorated parts. These defects would not have been found without Katsuta pushing the GR Yaris Rally2 to its limits.
The development of the GR Yaris Rally2 continues in a cycle of driving, breaking, and fixing. Engineers and mechanics work tirelessly in a world of milliseconds to find and repair problems quickly. Viewers will be moved by the passion the team has for the GR Yaris Rally2, as exclusive footage of drivers, engineers, and mechanics working on the car is featured in this week's Toyota Times News.
The GR Yaris Rally2 was officially approved by the FIA for sale as a rally car in January 2024, marking a significant first step towards Toyota's goal of "making ever-better cars through motorsports." The team's greatest mission remains continuous improvement, as they continue to strive towards Rally Japan 2024, continuing the evolution of the GR Yaris Rally2.
The development of the GR Yaris Rally2 is a testament to Toyota's commitment to pushing the boundaries of motorsport engineering and making high-performance rally cars accessible to private drivers. The GR Yaris Rally2 is not just a car; it's a symbol of the spirit of rallying, embodying the principle, "Roads build people and cars."
- The development process of the GR Yaris Rally2, a significant milestone for Toyota, involves fusion of motorsport technology from top-tier programs, with a focus on finance for research and development in the automotive industry and transportation, aiming to make high-performance rally cars accessible to private drivers.
- Norihiko Katsuta, the driving force behind the GR Yaris Rally2's development, has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between industries, merging cutting-edge rally technology from motorsport with the practical needs of privateers, making the car competitive yet accessible in WRC2 and other Rally2 categories, demonstrating the philosophy of technology transfer from motorsport to consumer and semi-professional rally machines.
