The History of the Toyota Yaris GR Rally1

The Toyota Yaris GR Rally1 is one of today's most impressive racing cars. With a DNA moulded from the highest competition in the World Rally Championship (WRC), this model represents the new hybrid era of the sport and Toyota's commitment to combining extreme performance with environmental responsibility. Since its debut, the Yaris GR Rally1 has dominated classifications and won titles, becoming a benchmark among motorsport fans and experts.

History

With the end of the World Rally Car (WRC) era in 2021, the FIA introduced new regulations for 2022, inaugurating the Rally1 category. This change marked a technological transformation in the championship, with the introduction of hybrid engines, a greater focus on sustainability and changes to car structures.

Toyota, through its Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT division, was one of the brands that embraced this new chapter from the outset. The Yaris GR Rally1 was developed on the basis of the experience gained with the previous Yaris WRC and made its official debut at the 2022 Monte Carlo Rally. Under the bonnet, it combines a 1.6 turbocharged engine with a 100 kW hybrid system, enabling combined outputs of over 500 horsepower.

The Yaris GR Rally1 didn't take long to show its mettle. Also in 2022, Kalle Rovanperä won the world championship title, becoming the youngest ever to achieve this feat. Toyota also won the constructors' title, confirming the effectiveness of its new high-performance vehicle.

Versions

• Toyota Yaris GR Rally1 (2022-): Competition version based on Rally1 regulations. 1.6 Turbo engine with 100 kW hybrid system. All-wheel drive, reinforced structure with safety roll-cage and advanced aerodynamics. Uses sustainable fuels and incorporates ecological materials in its development.

• Toyota GR Yaris (road): Although it's not the same car that races in the WRC, the GR Yaris road car was launched as a direct homage to Toyota's involvement in rallying. With all-wheel drive and a powerful 1.6 3-cylinder turbo engine, it is considered one of the best hot-hatches on the market and serves as a homologation base for the development of competition models.

Curiosities

• The Yaris GR Rally1 is the first Toyota hybrid car to win the World Rally Championship, confirming the viability of electrification in extreme scenarios.

• The hybrid system recharges under braking and can be used to provide additional thrust during acceleration - ideal for fast corner exits or more demanding areas.

• Kalle Rovanperä, champion in 2022 and 2023, is also a drift driver and contributed significantly to the car's dynamic development.

• Toyota Gazoo Racing is led by Jari-Matti Latvala, a former WRC driver, which guarantees an approach focused on competition and continuous improvement.

• The bodywork of the Yaris GR Rally1 is designed for easy panel replacement and impact resistance, which allows for quick interventions during long rallies.

In Portugal...

The Toyota Yaris GR Rally1 has been one of the stars of the Rally of Portugal, one of the most iconic events on the WRC calendar. Since its debut, the Japanese model has shone in the mountains of Fafe, Arganil, Vieira do Minho and Amarante, captivating fans with its speed and the distinctive sound of the hybrid system at full throttle.

In 2022 and 2023, Kalle Rovanperä was the protagonist of epic moments on Portuguese soil, including impressive jumps on the famous Fafe ramp. Toyota scored important victories and always remained among the main contenders for the podium, reinforcing Portuguese fans' love for the brand and the model.

In addition, the success of the Yaris GR Rally1 helped consolidate the image of the road-going Yaris GR as a machine of strong emotions, with several units sold in Portugal to enthusiasts of the world of rallying and sports driving.

The Toyota Yaris GR Rally1 once again proved its competitiveness at the 2025 Rally de Portugal, with three units finishing in the top five of the overall standings. Sébastien Ogier took victory, followed by Kalle Rovanperä in third place and Takamoto Katsuta in fifth. This solid performance strengthens Toyota Gazoo Racing's position in the World Rally Championship.

Final standings - Top 5:

1. Sébastien Ogier / Vincent Landais (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – 3h48m35.9s

2. Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +8.7s

3. Kalle Rovanperä / Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +12.2s

4. Thierry Neuville / Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +38.5s

5. Takamoto Katsuta / Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +1m41.9s

With this victory, Ogier achieves his seventh win in the Rally of Portugal, consolidating his position as the most successful driver in the event. The consistency shown by the Toyota teams strengthens their position in the championship, with Elfyn Evans maintaining his lead in the drivers' standings.

The 2025 Rally de Portugal stood out for its competitiveness and stunning landscapes, providing fans with memorable moments and reinforcing the passion for motorsport on Portuguese soil.