The landscape of international rallying is set for a fascinating shake-up as Toyota drivers have openly embraced the bold strategy to split the manufacturer's powerhouse lineup into two rival teams for the upcoming World Rally Championship season. This major tactical shift promises to alter the championship dynamics, injecting fresh tension into gravel and tarmac stages alike.
For the upcoming campaign, the manufacturer will field two distinct teams running different machinery. Toyota Racing will feature newly crowned world champion Elfyn Evans, alongside Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari utilizing the iconic GR Celica Rally1 bodyshell. Meanwhile, Gazoo Racing Toyota welcomes back Ott Tanak alongside part-timer Kalle Rovanpera and regular contender Takamoto Katsuta aboard the GR Yaris Rally1.
Despite having zero input in determining which car or garage they were ultimately slotted into, all six drivers have voiced strong approval for the innovative setup, praising the brand's dedication and the intense sporting pressure it places on rival manufacturers.
"Obviously it's a huge commitment from Toyota to the World Rally Championship. And it's nice, in a way, to continue to be a part of that," Evans stated, expressing excitement for the new era. The world champion noted that while intra-team battles have always been a staple of their garage, having six cars on the overall grid elevates the internal competition to unprecedented heights.
Echoing those sentiments, Solberg hailed the two-team strategy as a statement of unwavering belief in the sport's future. "I think it's absolutely the right thing to do. It really shows the commitment that no-one else is showing, putting a lot of pressure on everyone else," Solberg remarked with a smile when recalling how he learned about his team assignment just like the fans.
As the service park prepares for the demanding rounds ahead starting with Rallye Monte-Carlo, the intra-brand showdown between the Celica and Yaris squads is gearing up to deliver compelling action throughout the championship chase.
Baca Juga
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