Five GR Yaris Rally2s expected to start 2024 Rallye Monte-Carlo, Latvala reveals

The all-new GR Yaris Rally2, the first-ever customer car produced by Toyota Gazoo Racing, is currently undergoing the homologation process. The car made its first public appearance at the FORUM8 Rally Japan in 2022 and has since undergone an extensive development programme in preparation for its competition debut.

Latvala, who has been actively involved in the car’s testing regime, stated that the team aims to produce 40 to 50 GR Yaris Rally2 cars at its Jyväskylä factory in 2024, with up to five destined for the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo (25 – 28 January).

“Next year we are planning and hoping to build between 40 and 50 cars in Finland,” Latvala told WRC.com. “Our target is to provide five cars for Monte-Carlo, so we will try to provide pretty much four cars per month.

“We have a big list of people who are interested [in purchasing the cars], but it’s not like we have been able to confirm their orders. First, I must say that the first two events are the most important for us, Monte-Carlo and Sweden, that we can provide the cars there for the top-level drivers.”

Latvala explained that customers participating in WRC2 will receive top priority, followed by FIA European Rally Championship hopefuls, national drivers, and so on.

“When we go from WRC to the next priority, the next priority is the European championship. That’s where we are really focusing on the drivers who are keen to drive in those championships. We will be there, offering the cars privately for them, and then we try to help the national championships as well after that.”

While TGR Challenge Program drivers Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto will participate in selected events across Europe, Toyota has no plans to enter a factory team into WRC2 next year.

“There is the Challenge Program, and then it’s a customer programme,” Latvala confirmed. “All the drivers will drive in a private team.”