Akio Toyoda Highlights Ogier Conversation Role

Akio Toyoda believes his conversation with Sébastien Ogier at Rally Japan may have played a small role in the Frenchman’s victory at Acropolis Rally Greece.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing chairman attended Rally Japan last month, where the Japanese manufacturer celebrated a dominant home performance. Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 cars eventually locked out the top four positions, strengthening the team’s momentum before the next phase of the WRC season.

Ogier’s decision to chase a record-extending 10th world title may have surprised many, but Toyoda was unlikely to be among them. In his message after Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais won in Greece, Toyoda reflected on a memorable moment from Rally Japan.

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“One of my favourite memories from Rally Japan was Séb coming over to talk with me. Looking at this result, I’d be very happy if our conversation at that moment played even a small part in helping him achieve it.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do in the second half of the season. Keep pushing!” Toyoda said.

Toyoda also framed Ogier and Landais’ Greece victory as an important response after they secured a comeback win on the final day. The result included winning Super Sunday, winning the Power Stage, taking maximum points, and climbing to third in the championship standings.

“Séb and Vincent – thank you for securing a great comeback win on the final day! Winning Super Sunday, winning the Power Stage, taking the maximum points and climbing to third in the championship standings… that’s the Séb and Vincent we all know.”

Toyoda also praised Takamoto Katsuta after another third-place podium. He highlighted Katsuta’s consistency, noting that the Japanese driver has finished on the podium in half of the rallies held so far this season.

“Takamoto, congratulations on another podium in third place. This season, we’ve seen you on the podium in half of the rallies so far. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you in the second half of the season.”

Toyoda’s comments position Ogier’s Acropolis Rally Greece win as part of a wider Toyota Gazoo Racing momentum shift after its Rally Japan dominance. With Ogier climbing to third in the standings and Katsuta continuing to add podiums, the second half of the season becomes a key phase for Toyota’s internal dynamic and the WRC title fight.