In a heart-stopping finale to the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) claimed its fourth consecutive manufacturers’ title with a triumphant one-two finish at the Rally Japan. The iconic victory, achieved on home soil, underscored the resilience and tenacity of a team that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence in motorsport.
The final stages of Rally Japan delivered the perfect climax to a season that had seen TGR-WRT relentlessly pursue the championship despite a series of challenges. Heading into the last day of the event, Toyota trailed Hyundai by 11 points, having narrowed a 15-point gap overnight. Yet, the rally was far from decided, with the high-stakes Power Stage looming as the ultimate decider for both manufacturers.
As the rally unfolded, the unpredictable nature of the event added a dramatic twist. Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, who was in the lead, made a costly mistake on the opening stage of Sunday, sliding off the road and relinquishing his position. This opened the door for TGR-WRT to capitalize on the opportunity, with Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier both moving up into first and second place overall.
The drama reached its peak during the Power Stage, where every second counted. With the championship hanging in the balance, TGR-WRT’s drivers delivered under pressure. Ogier secured the fastest time in the Power Stage, earning the maximum five bonus points, while Evans clinched third and Takamoto Katsuta took fourth. Their combined efforts saw Toyota narrowly edge out Hyundai by three points, securing the title in an unforgettable finish to the season.
This victory marks Toyota’s eighth manufacturers’ title in the WRC, bringing them level with Citroën for second place in the all-time rankings. The triumph is not only a testament to the team’s unwavering determination but also a reflection of the extraordinary talent and teamwork displayed throughout the year.
A Victory to Remember
For Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin, Rally Japan was a particularly sweet success. The pair secured their first victory of the season—exactly one year after their last win at the same event. Evans’ victory was not just a personal achievement but also a crucial contribution to Toyota’s manufacturers’ title. Despite not always having the optimal performance throughout the rally, Evans remained steadfast, pushing until the very end. “It means a lot for every member of the team, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said after crossing the finish line.
Sébastien Ogier, meanwhile, capped off his remarkable season with his seventh podium finish from just ten starts, including three wins. The French driver was visibly elated by the outcome, reflecting on the intense pressure of the final Power Stage. “You could not have written a better finish to the season for us,” Ogier remarked, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the collective effort that secured the manufacturers’ title.
Takamoto Katsuta, whose consistency throughout the rally helped maintain Toyota’s title hopes, also played a pivotal role. With his fourth-place finish in the Power Stage and a patient, measured approach throughout the event, Katsuta’s efforts were vital in ensuring the team’s success. “The whole team did a fantastic job, and without their support, I would not have been able to do it,” said Katsuta, acknowledging his teammates’ contributions.
A Historic Achievement in WRC2
In another highlight of the rally, Toyota’s Sami Pajari and co-driver Enni Mälkönen celebrated a hard-fought victory in the WRC2 championship. The Finnish duo’s impressive campaign, which included three Rally1 appearances with TGR-WRT, culminated in a second-place finish at Rally Japan, sealing the WRC2 title by just three points. Pajari’s victory added a further layer of success to a remarkable season for Toyota in both the top-tier and WRC2 categories.
Words of Gratitude and Determination
Akio Toyoda, the chairman of TGR-WRT, expressed his pride in the team’s effort, acknowledging both the challenges and the triumphs of the season. “With this slogan, ‘we hate to lose,’ we kept fighting until the very end without giving up,” Toyoda said, offering heartfelt congratulations to his drivers, co-drivers, and every member of the team.
Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala also reflected on the team’s journey. “We knew coming here to Rally Japan that we still had a chance to take the title, but the odds were not in our favour,” he said. Despite facing setbacks throughout the season, Latvala’s leadership and the team’s unwavering resolve ensured that Toyota emerged victorious in the season’s final moments. “It shows you should keep fighting until the end and never lose faith.”
Rally Japan Results
- Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid) – 3h23m41.0s
- Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid) – +1m27.3s
- Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid) – +1m55.5s
- Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid) – +2m02.6s
- Grégoire Munster/Louis Louka (Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid) – +3m11.5s
2024 FIA WRC Standings
Drivers’ Championship:
- Thierry Neuville (242 points)
- Elfyn Evans (210 points)
- Ott Tänak (200 points)
- Sébastien Ogier (191 points)
Manufacturers’ Championship:
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – 561 points
- Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team – 558 points
- M-Sport Ford World Rally Team – 295 points
As the season concludes, Toyota’s victory serves as a fitting tribute to the dedication and skill of the entire team. With another title under their belt, TGR-WRT looks ahead to the 2025 season, where the battle for supremacy will surely continue with the same determination and drive that has defined their success.
