From Autosport · Tom Howard · · 1m 10s
Toyota splits WRC 2027 teams with two car models
Toyota uses two car models for WRC 2027 to boost fan engagement and product promotion.
In brief
Toyota uses two car models for WRC 2027 to boost fan engagement and product promotion. Toyota will run GR Celica and GR Yaris in WRC 2027 with six drivers split across two teams to improve fan engagement and promote multiple products. Originally reported by Autosport.
Toyota's WRC 2027 strategy
Toyota will field an expanded six crew line-up split across two teams and two car models for WRC 2027.
GR Celica and GR Yaris models
The GR Celica - not featured in WRC since the 1990s - will be driven by Elfyn Evans, Oliver Solberg and Sami Pajari.
GR Yaris team drivers
The GR Yaris will be driven by Takamoto Katsura, Ott Tanak and Kalle Rovanpera.
Team selection rationale
Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala said the split was based on drivers' past championships and the new car concept.
Technical parity challenge
Toyota technical director Tom Fowler ensured both cars are identical despite different body shapes.
Cost and fan engagement benefits
The cost reduction allows Toyota to run more cars with the same budget while improving fan engagement.
The one thing
Toyota will run GR Celica and GR Yaris in WRC 2027 with six drivers split across two teams to improve fan engagement and promote multiple products.
