Crafting over a Year: A Documentary Capturing the Debut of the GR Yaris Rally2 - "Roads Shape the Human Spirit and Vehicles"
The development of Toyota's GR Yaris Rally2, a hydrogen-powered rally car, has been a fascinating journey that combines high performance with near-zero emissions. This innovative concept was first unveiled at Rally Japan 2022, marking a significant step forward in Toyota's efforts to revolutionise motorsport.
At the heart of this project is a principle that resonates strongly on the front lines of development: "Roads build people and cars." This philosophy, inherited by Toyota's President Akio Toyoda, or Morizo, from his driving master Hiromu Naruse, underscores the car's commitment to the love of driving and the spirit of motorsport.
In early 2023, Norihiko Katsuta was tasked with driving the development of the GR Yaris Rally2. Katsuta, along with a dedicated team of drivers, engineers, and mechanics, has been working tirelessly to refine the car, pushing it to its limits to uncover hidden defects and potential improvements.
The development process of the GR Yaris Rally2 has taken place mainly in Finland, where the team has tested the car extensively on local gravel roads. Katsuta's relentless pursuit of perfection has led to the discovery of several issues, including a "huge blunder" uncovered by a crash, an exhaust leak, and deteriorated parts. Each defect found is an opportunity for improvement, bringing the team one step closer to their mission: continuous improvement towards Rally Japan 2024.
Despite the challenges, such as limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure and higher costs compared to conventional rally cars, the hydrogen GR Yaris Rally2 offers roughly the same power output (~300 HP) and a refueling time close to gasoline. This balance between performance and sustainability is a testament to Toyota's commitment to creating a clean but exciting rallying future.
Morizo has emphasised that the GR Yaris Rally2 is designed for private drivers, not just automobile manufacturers. This inclusivity is reflected in the team's ethos, where drivers, engineers, and mechanics share a passion for the car and work together to find problems and repair them as quickly as possible.
Exclusive footage of the GR Yaris Rally2's development process is available in this week's Toyota Times News, offering fans a glimpse into the world of hydrogen racing and Toyota's quest for a carbon-neutral motorsport solution. As the car continues to evolve and improve, it's clear that the journey of the GR Yaris Rally2 is far from over.
[1] Toyota Gazoo Racing [2] Motorsport.com [3] Auto Express [4] Autocar [5] Rally Finland Official Website
The project's focus on refining the GR Yaris Rally2 involves collaboration within various industries, including finance for funding, transportation for testing on local gravel roads, and the automotive sector for designing and building the car. In sports, the team is striving towards participating in Rally Japan 2024, showcasing a blend of high performance and near-zero emissions.
The relentless pursuit of perfection in the development process by Norihiko Katsuta and his team transcends sports, resembling the spirit of competition that drives individuals and industries alike. With exclusive footage shown in the Toyota Times News, the journey of the GR Yaris Rally2 serves as an inspiration for those who share a passion for hydrogen racing and sustainable motorsport.
