A Yearlong Chronicle: The Documentary Unveiling the Genesis of the GR Yaris Rally2 - "Streets Shape Society and Automobiles"
In the heart of Jyväskylä, Finland, Toyota's GR Yaris Rally2 car has been undergoing rigorous development and refinement. The car's evolution has been driven by Norihiko Katsuta, Toyota's development driver, who has pushed the vehicle to its limits, uncovering defects and guiding Toyota's continuous improvement efforts.
Katsuta's relentless driving has been instrumental in identifying weaknesses and enabling Toyota to implement corrective measures. This iterative process of stress-testing and defect uncovering has ensured that the GR Yaris Rally2 has evolved through successive improvements in handling, powertrain integration, and durability.
The GR Yaris Rally2's development path is a testament to Toyota's comprehensive motorsport philosophy, which integrates insights from racing into their technical development. This approach was evident in the car's high-level demonstrations, such as at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025, where the car showcased its advanced aerodynamics and technical sophistication.
The GR Yaris Rally2 made its global debut at Rally Japan 2022 and has since taken part in the All Japan Rally Championship in 2023. The car is intended for private drivers who participate individually rather than automobile manufacturers.
The development team's greatest mission is continuous improvement towards Rally Japan 2024. This commitment to evolution is reflected in the repetition of driving, breaking, and fixing that the team undertakes to continue the car's evolution.
Hiromu Naruse, a driving master from whom Morizo inherited the principle "Roads build people and cars," has been a guiding force in the project. Morizo, in turn, has commented that the GR Yaris Rally2 does not mock the driver for having limited skills.
The passion of the team members for the GR Yaris Rally2 is evident in this week's Toyota Times News, which features exclusive footage of drivers, engineers, and mechanics working on the car. The team's dedication is further showcased by Morizo's acquisition of the first GR Yaris Rally2 to uncover issues and feed the results back into other cars.
Despite the challenges, such as an unavoidable dropout that occurred on Katsuta's birthday, the team remains undeterred. Katsuta occasionally learns driving techniques from his greatest rival, further pushing the boundaries of the car's performance.
In January 2024, the GR Yaris Rally2 was officially approved by the FIA for sale as a rally car, marking a significant milestone in its development journey. The car continues to be developed in Finland, with the team's unwavering commitment to continuous improvement at the forefront of their efforts.
The GR Yaris Rally2 is a testament to Toyota's dedication to innovation, their commitment to integrating racing insights into their technical development, and their pursuit of excellence in motorsport. Morizo's statement that a world-class machine has appeared with the GR Yaris Rally2 rings true as the car continues to push the boundaries of rallying technology.
Sports cars, like the GR Yaris Rally2, are evolving through continuous improvement in handling, powertrain integration, and durability, driven by the team's relentless testing and refinement. The GR Yaris Rally2's development is a testament to Toyota's comprehensive motorsport philosophy, aiming for excellence in motorsport and integrating racing insights into their technical development.
