Already looking ahead to WRC 2023, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has been thinking carefully about how to secure its third consecutive title treble in the world’s top rally championship. Much has been going on behind the scenes, but we’re pleased to report that TGR is now ready to reveal its altered driver line-up.
Still under the leadership of Jari-Matti Latvala, the revised World Rally Team (WRT) now consists of a three-car, eight-person line-up in the championship’s top Rally1 class. Continuing through into WRC 2023 are the familiar drivers Kalle Rovanperä (Finland), Elfyn Evans (UK) and Sébastien Ogier (France), along with their respective co-drivers Jonne Halttunen (Finland), Scott Martin (UK) and Vincent Landais (France).
Centre left, Jarri-Matt Latvala. Centre right, Akio Toyoda
Left side (L to R): Aaron Johnston, Vincent Landais, Scott Martin and Jonne Halttunen
Right side (L to R): Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta
Sharing the third car with Sébastien and Vincent will be Takamoto Katsuta (Japan) and Aaron Johnston (Ireland), who have been promoted from the WRC Challenge Program into the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT roster. However, in rally events where Sébastien and Vincent are entered for manufacturer points, Takamoto and Aaron will continue to participate in the Challenge Program using the same GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid as the WRT.
WRC 2023: Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT line-up
| Team founder |
Akio Toyoda |
| Team principal |
Jarri-Matti Latvala (Finland) |
| Vehicle |
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid |
| Car #1 |
Kalle Rovanperä (Finland) and Jonne Halttunen (Finland) |
| Car #2 |
Elfyn Evans (UK) and Scott Martin (UK) |
| Car #3 |
Sébastien Ogier (France) and Vincent Landais (France)
Takamoto Katsuta (Japan) and Aaron Johnston (Ireland) |
What do Akio Toyoda and Jarri-Matti Latvala think?
Akio Toyoda: “Though the season just ended, I can’t help but look forward to another year of competing in WRC with this team. Kalle and Jonne will enter the season as defending champions. With that, there may be a different level of pressure. However, we have teammates who have won the championship six years in a row that can help them. Since this is only their second year fighting for the championship, we will strongly support them to have another great season.
“Though Elfyn and Scott had a difficult year in 2022, we will do our utmost to support them by building a strong car for a year in which we can achieve stronger results. Let’s make it a great year together!
“Seb…
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