Akio Takes Over as Team Principal Role for 4 Days During Rally Finland Behind the Scenes
In less than a month, the motorsport world will gather for Rally Japan (November 16-19, Aichi/Gifu). But before that, let's revisit the magic of Rally Finland, where the World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) achieved a historic 1-2-3-4-5 finish.
At the heart of this success was alternate Team Principal Akio Toyoda, who played a pivotal role in supporting Jari-Matti Latvala's comeback. This was Latvala's first competition since the 2020 Rally Sweden.
Toyoda's intentions as the alternate team principal were clear: to bolster the team's performance environment, support Latvala's dual role as driver and team principal, and celebrate the drivers' efforts and results. He aimed to empower the team towards historic success while personally taking a facilitative, encouraging role rather than overt direct management during the rally.
Juha Kankkunen stepped in as team principal while Toyoda was present, and the team achieved the impressive 1-2-3-4-5 finish on home soil. Toyota's President could be seen putting smiles on the faces of staff and drivers alike with his encouraging words.
Latvala, who expressed gratitude to Toyoda for the opportunity to compete again, indicated Toyoda's role involved empowering and supporting the drivers and team equally rather than dominating the team leadership during the event. Latvala's comments about discussing future competition with "the big boss (Akio Toyoda)" after a close second place further convey Toyoda’s engagement and encouragement of competitive spirit in the team.
The City of Jyväskylä, TGR-WRT, and the Toyota Mobility Foundation have made a new commitment, and the magic of Rally Finland was shared by Toyoda. Comments from alternate Team Principal Toyoda and Latvala after their four days of competition are available on our website [URL].
Meanwhile, in the video offering a preview of what to expect at Rally Japan, Toyoda reflects on his experience at Rally Finland and shares his thoughts on serving as the alternate team principal. The video can be found on our website.
References: [1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3
- Akio Toyoda, in his role as alternate Team Principal, aimed to foster a supportive environment for the World Rally Team and empower them towards historic success in sports events, such as the recent Rally Finland.
- Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, will once again take on the role of alternate team principal for Rally Japan, following his encouraging and facilitative leadership approach in sports events like Rally Finland.
