Toyota's preparations for the upcoming World Rally Championship season have taken an intriguing turn as the team principal personally jumped back into the driver's seat for testing. The Japanese manufacturer is set to compete with two separate teams and two different models, deploying the GR Yaris alongside the iconic Toyota Celica. Meanwhile, the development of the brand's competitive Rally2 machine continues moving forward at a relentless pace to ensure maximum reliability and performance across various tarmac and gravel surfaces.
Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala took direct control of the GR Yaris Rally2 during a productive test session in Spain on Friday. The Finnish motorsport veteran drove the charger on demanding asphalt roads situated near the village of Borreda, located north of Barcelona. His firsthand feedback on handling characteristics and chassis balance provides invaluable data for engineers working tirelessly at the factory.
The asphalt running session also featured another notable veteran driver as Kris Meeke stepped up to pilot the vehicle this week. The Northern Irishman put the Toyota Rally2 challenger through its paces during a rigorous testing schedule, demonstrating that his legendary speed behind the wheel remains entirely undiminished as he evaluates the car's potential.
Meeke, now 47 years of age, last competed at the highest level of the championship with the squad back in the 2019 season. Since then, his career has seen him take on new challenges in the European Rally Championship and multiple campaigns in the fiercely contested Portuguese national rally championship. He proved beyond a doubt this year that he still possesses exceptional speed by claiming victory at the Welsh ERC rally.
This combination of management involvement and seasoned driver feedback highlights the meticulous approach being taken behind the scenes. Every kilometer covered in testing helps refine the machinery for the challenges ahead in the global rally arena. Read our in-depth analysis and catch all the latest paddock updates right here.
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