The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 has set a new standard in the Rally1 era, capturing three consecutive manufacturers’ championships from 2022 through 2024 and establishing Toyota as the sport’s leading force during its most technologically advanced period.
Developed to meet the revolutionary Rally1 regulations, this car marks a dramatic departure from traditional World Rally Cars, featuring a tubular steel spaceframe chassis rather than relying on modified production shells.
Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing approximately 380 bhp, the GR Yaris Rally1 combines cutting-edge performance with innovative design. The regulations allow a purpose-built spaceframe with composite body panels styled to resemble the road-going GR Yaris, enabling superior crash safety and optimized weight distribution. The car also runs exclusively on 100 per cent sustainable fuel.
Toyota’s seamless transition to Rally1 regulations was highlighted in the 2022 season, with young Finnish talent Kalle Rovanperä emerging as a dominant championship contender. Rovanperä secured consecutive drivers’ titles in 2022 and 2023, displaying exceptional skill, speed, and composure beyond his years. The 2024 championship proved fiercely competitive, with Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville clinching the drivers’ crown in a dramatic final-stage showdown at Rally Japan. Nonetheless, Toyota narrowly defended their manufacturers’ crown by a mere three points.
