The automotive giant Toyota has unveiled an ambitious strategy for its return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours race, joining forces with SUPER GT and Super Taikyu team Rookie Racing. Under the new banner of Toyota Gazoo Rookie Racing (TG-RR), the company will field two high-performance vehicles: a GR Yaris DAT and a GR Supra GT4 EVO2. This marks Toyota's first factory-backed appearance at the prestigious event since 2019. The GR Yaris DAT, which has been making waves in Japan's Super Taikyu series, was showcased in a special TG-RR livery during the Tokyo Auto Salon. Behind the wheel of this vehicle will be Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, racing under his pseudonym 'Morizo', alongside his son Daisuke and experienced drivers Hiroaki Ishiura and Kazuya Oshima.
Beyond the Nürburgring, TG-RR is set to maintain a robust presence in Super Taikyu, particularly in the ST-Q class, which accommodates vehicles that do not conform to specific regulations. For the upcoming season, the team will deploy two distinct cars. One notable entry is the liquid hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Corolla H2 Concept, which will make appearances at key events such as the Fuji 24 Hours in May and November. Additionally, a mid-engine version of the GR Yaris, dubbed the 'M Concept', will debut in July at Autopolis and reappear in October at Okayama. Sharing driving duties across both vehicles will be Morizo, Masahiro Sasaki, Yasuhiro Ogura, and Hiroaki Ishiura. Meanwhile, the No. 28 GR86 will compete throughout the full season, driven by Daisuke Toyoda, Eisuke Sasaki, Kazuya Oshima, and SUPER GT champion Sho Tsuboi.
The collaboration between Toyota and Rookie Racing exemplifies innovation and perseverance in motorsports. By introducing cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen power and innovative car designs, Toyota demonstrates its commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring sustainable racing solutions. This venture not only highlights the brand's dedication to performance but also underscores its responsibility towards environmental sustainability, setting a positive example for future endeavors in the automotive industry.