Morizo Shakes Monaco with Toyota Hydrogen Concept

W2RC, Sportrik Media - The appearance of Akio Toyoda, racing under his well-known alias Morizo, at the Monaco circuit delivered a strategic statement on Toyota’s vision for high-performance motorsport in a carbon-neutral era, with hydrogen positioned as both a technical and emotional solution.

Toyota unveiled the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept on the iconic Monaco Grand Prix circuit, driven by Morizo himself. More than a technology showcase, the hydrogen-powered rally car underlined the long-term direction of Toyota Gazoo Racing as it explores sustainable powertrains across the highest levels of global competition.

Toyota’s hydrogen racing programme has progressed steadily in recent years. Toyoda previously demonstrated a hydrogen-powered GR Yaris at the WRC Ypres Rally in 2022, drove the GR Corolla H2 Concept during the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023, and has competed extensively in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series with both gaseous- and liquid-hydrogen prototype GR Corollas.

The Monaco demonstration provided Toyota with a high-profile platform to present hydrogen technology to key motorsport stakeholders. The choice of venue was deliberate, combining the sport’s historical prestige with a forward-looking message about the future of sustainable performance.

“It is a great honour to be able to drive the Monaco circuit in a hydrogen rally car,” Toyoda said.
“Hydrogen is a very important element in motorsport, and hydrogen engines are extremely well-suited to racing.”

Toyoda stressed that the project is not solely about emissions reduction, but also about preserving the emotional core of motorsport, particularly the sound and character that define high-performance competition.

“Our motivation is to secure the emotional dimension of motorsport in a carbon-neutral future,” he added.
“I hope people can understand our intention and support this activity for the future of motorsport.”

With development programmes already announced, discussions on standards and regulations underway, and a growing number of participants, Toyota believes hydrogen could become a key pillar of future competition in the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, and World Rally Raid Championship.

The Monaco debut of the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept reinforces Toyota’s view that hydrogen technology can deliver both competitive potential and emotional appeal at the highest level of global motorsport, offering a credible pathway toward sustainable racing without sacrificing performance identity.