Khaberni - The Toyota Gazoo Racing Team achieved an exceptional accomplishment by winning the top three positions in the Japan Rally as part of the 2025 World Rally Championship organized by the International Automobile Federation; where eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier and his assistant Vincent Landier led the race in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1 car bearing the number 17, closely followed by their teammates Elfyn Evans and his assistant Scott Martin in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally 1 car bearing the number 33, while the rising driver Sami Pajari and his assistant Marko Salminen finished third in a Toyota Yaris GR Rally 1 car bearing the number 5, completing the team's domination of the podium in this rally held on their home ground and amongst their fans.
This win is the third consecutive victory for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team in the Japan Rally out of four, and the second time that Toyota cars have dominated the podium. It is also the first win for Ogier and Landier in the Japan Rally, achieved after fierce competition with Evans and Martin where the gap between the two crews was approximately 10 seconds throughout the race.
Akio Toyoda, president of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team, who has often spoken of "Japan's pride" on many occasions, finally returned as his character Morizo last Thursday, and stated: "When the team arrived in Aichi, I went to welcome everyone saying, 'Welcome back to the rally of your nation!' But they greeted me saying, 'Welcome back to your team!' That reminded me that the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team includes 'great comrades', which pleased me greatly and made me forget all the fatigue and thought. Also, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the team for returning to Japan carrying the Manufacturers' Championship title for the fifth consecutive time."
Toyoda added: "This time, Seb, Elfyn, and Sami achieved the top three positions, and I thank them for their efforts. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to see fans lined up along the racetracks in an unprecedented scene, even though this race has been held in Aichi and Gifu four times so far. We are gradually approaching the 'European motorsport culture' that has always impressed me. I am very happy, and I would like to thank everyone who planned the Japan Rally and contributed to its continuity so far."
On the last day of the race, held in rainy and challenging conditions, Ogier entered with a slim margin of 6.5 seconds. Evans made a strong start in the first stage that morning, seeming on the verge of taking the lead, but Ogier had another say in the last section and maintained the lead in the race, then achieved another milestone in one of the stages, recording the fastest time in the penultimate stage to extend the lead to 11.5 seconds before the final stage.
At the end of the race, only 0.096 seconds separated Ogier and Evans in the last Power Stage of the rally, and Ogier topped the special Sunday rankings, thus earning the maximum points of 35, reducing the gap between him and the championship leader Evans to just three points before the final round of the championship.
For his part, Pajari and his assistant Salminen completed the race in third place to complete the domination of the podium after an exciting and eventful rally. Pajari was competing in Japan for the first time aboard a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and achieved a remarkable result thanks to his excellent and balanced driving, affirming the excellence of his first participation in the rally world.
Toyota has participated over the past years in various motorsports, including Formula 1, the World Endurance Championship, and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring Endurance Race. Toyota's participation in these events was through separate teams and entities within the company until April 2015 when Toyota established the Gazoo Racing division, aiming to unify all its motorsport activities under one name. Driven by Toyota's belief and motto "We gain expertise on the roads; to make better cars," Gazoo Racing highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of the company's commitment to developing the best cars ever. By leveraging years of experience gained under the harsh conditions of various motorsports competitions, Gazoo Racing aims to develop pioneering technologies and innovative solutions that offer everyone the experience of freedom, adventure, and driving enjoyment.
The fourteenth and final round of the 2025 World Rally Championship organized by the International Automobile Federation is scheduled to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period 26-29 November, featuring a completely new stage with gravel-covered roads around Jeddah, and includes fast and varied stages through mountainous, volcanic, and desert terrain; providing a new and exciting challenge for drivers and teams alike.
Interested individuals can follow the official page on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms to keep up with the competition atmosphere and find out the results of local, regional, and international races first-hand, as well as car enthusiasts can explore the Toyota Gazoo Racing car lineup at the Central Toyota showroom on Mecca Street.
