Toyota Gazoo Racing Targets Portugal Glory
The Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team is set to hit the gravel at the Rally de Portugal from May 9 to 12. With four top crews lined up, the team is gunning to extend its dominant streak on this popular and challenging event.
World Champions Lead the Charge
For the first time this season, Toyota fields both reigning world champions. Kalle Rovanperä, winner in Kenya and Croatia, seeks a hat-trick with a third straight victory in Portugal. Alongside him is five-time Portugal winner Sébastien Ogier, who shares the record for most wins with Markku Alén. These two stars promise fireworks on the fast, technical gravel stages.
Elfyn Evans Eyes Podium Consistency
Elfyn Evans, a key figure for Toyota, boasts a strong record on Portuguese soil. His 2021 win helped Toyota secure four straight victories here since 2019. Just six points shy of the championship leader, Evans aims to keep his streak of three podiums from four events alive.
Gravel Gauntlet and Gruelling Route
Portugal kicks off a tough stretch of seven consecutive gravel rallies. The action centres around Porto, with stages featuring shifting surfaces—from soft sand to rocky, rutted terrain on repeat passes. The route starts near historic Coimbra, including a Thursday night super special in Figueira da Foz.
- Friday’s marathon includes Mortágua stages bookending the day and four runs through Arganil, with a mid-day tyre change zone.
- Saturday covers 90 competitive miles with a four-stage loop in the Cabreira mountains, including the 23-mile Amarante – the season’s longest stage – capped by an evening rallycross super special at Lousada.
- Sunday features double runs of Cabeceiras de Basto and the epic Fafe Power Stage finale.
GR Yaris Rally2 Makes Massive WRC2 Debut
Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2 steals the spotlight in WRC2 with eight cars entered—the biggest entry yet this season. Drivers like Sami Pajari, Georg Linnamäe, Roope Korhonen, and Jan Solans join newcomers Yuki Yamamoto and Hikaru Kogure from the TGR WRC Challenge Program. Aussie Lewis Bates and French star Jean-Michel Raoux will also debut in the machine.
Team Boss Confident as Battle Heats Up
“Having all four drivers together in Portugal is thrilling,” said Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala. “The new points system keeps the manufacturers’ battle tight, but Kalle’s winning form, Seb’s experience, and Elfyn’s consistency put us in a strong position. Takamoto Katsuta’s pace adds to our firepower.”
As the Rally de Portugal kicks off, expect fierce competition and pulse-pounding action. The Toyota Gazoo Racing team is firmly in the hunt for another spectacular win on gravel turf. Stay locked in for the latest updates and rally drama!
