Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) has announced their plans to start sales on the pumped-up Toyota GR Supra GT4, a race machine for interested customer teams beginning March 2020 in Europe. This 430hp A90 Supra is will also go up for sale in Japan and other Asian countries next October for the ultimate racing nirvana. (more…)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak and his co-driver Martin Järveoja have made history by securing their first FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) titles with a second place finish on Rally de Espana, the 13th round of the 2019 WRC. The event was won by Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul in Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC.
Tänak becomes only the third different driver to claim the WRC crown since 2004, while he and Järveoja are the first Estonians to ever achieve the feat. It is the fifth occasion that a Toyota driver has won the WRC Drivers’ title, and the first time since Didier Auriol triumphed in 1994.
Having won six of the 12 rallies so far, Tänak arrived at the second last round of the season with a 28-point advantage in the championship. In the series’ only true mixed-surface event, Tänak was fifth overall following the opening day on gravel, before 4 consecutive stage wins on asphalt on Saturday promoted him up into third place.
On the final day, he opened up a comfortable advantage with the Toyota Yaris WRC over the driver behind. But it was not easy-going and he still needed to push hard on the rally-ending Power Stage to secure the title. In an incredible run over the 20.72-km stage, he was 3.6 seconds faster than anyone to not only take the full 5 bonus points, but also grab second place overall on the rally.
Jari-Matti Latvala finished in fifth position, scoring important points for the Manufacturers’ Championship, which Toyota remains in with a chance of winning at the final round in Australia on November 14 as the gap is 18 points from the leader. After retiring on Saturday morning following a crash, Kris Meeke returned to action on Sunday under restart rules.
Sending his congratulations to the duo, Akio Toyota, Toyota’s President and the driving force behind the company’s greater motorsport orientation, said: “Last year in Rally Finland, I saw so many Estonian fans waving Estonian flags to cheer on Ott and Martin. They said the flags were not a weight on their shoulders. Instead, they felt the strong support from all the fans to achieve their best. I’m glad that our Yaris WRC competed with such a strong wave of support from our Estonian friends and supporters, and we rode the wave to the championship title!”
Toyota’s’ World Rally Champions
1990: Carlos Sainz (Toyota Celica GT-Four ST165)
1992: Carlos Sainz (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD ST185)
1993: Juha Kankkunen (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD ST185)
1994: Didier Auriol (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD ST185)
2019: Ott Tänak (Toyota Yaris WRC)
Fans of the Japanese kei-cars will be familiar with the Daihatsu Copen, a compact model like a miniaturised roadster. Like the Suzuki Cappuccino, it was mainly for the Japanese domestic market although there were exports. The original Copen was on sale from 2002 to 2012 and then there was a lapse of 2 years before the second generation appeared in 2014. There was a rumour that, some years back, Perodua had asked Daihatsu to consider selling it in Malaysia but it was probably not feasible from the volume point of view (especially if it was a CBU import subjected to high taxes).
First ‘GR’ developed sportscar
The second generation continues to be on sale but now Toyota has adopted the model and got TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to further develop it. It is the first sportscar that is ‘GR’ developed, drawing on the knowledge and experience gained through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motor sports activities.
The move is probably with strong ‘guidance’ from Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, who must like the little 2-seater convertible sportscar. Ever since becoming President, he has been trying hard to rekindle the passion for cars among the younger generation. So a car like the Copen GR Sport, as the model will be known, might attract interest, especially with a pricetag that starts (in Japan) from 2,380,000 yen (around RM92,000).
Enhanced driving dynamics
Toyota does not make minivehicles, leaving that segment to Daihatsu, so it has nothing like the Copen GR Sport in its line-up. But more importantly, its driving dynamics have been enhanced by Toyota GAZOO Racing so it would be even more appealing and satisfying to the enthusiast driver.
Specifically, development has focused on body rigidity and suspension tuning. Optimal body rigidity balance has been achieved by adding the front brace and changing the shape of the centre brace. The suspension spring rate was optimized for the body rigidity, requiring time and effort and in combination with a dedicated shock absorber, a smooth ride with supple movement, and the feeling of the tyres gripping the ground was pursued. The BBS forged-aluminium wheels are exclusively designed for the Copen GR Sport.
In addition, the electric power steering is specially tuned for the Copen GR Sport, taking into account its size and weight (980 kgs). The aim of the engineers has been ‘ to offer the pleasure of being able to use the engine power to the max because it is a minivehicle, and the superior comfort of controlling the vehicle at will, which is like a lightweight sportscar in everyday life’.
The engine is the same type as in the Daihatsu Copen, a 660 cc 3-cylinder long-stroke unit powering the front wheels. With turbocharging and an intercooler, the power output is 64 ps/92 Nm and customers can choose to have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT.
Design prioritizes functionality
The front face uses the ‘Functional MATRIX’ grille, which is the GR icon, with horizontal and vertical elements key to the design. A large opening lower grille contributes to improved cooling performance and an under-spoiler-shaped front bumper contributes to improved driving performance while emphasizing the low centre of gravity and wide and low styling. Aerodynamic performance was improved by rectifying the air by extending the bumper side and setting the front bumper air outlet.
The interior (only available in black) features special Recaro seats and dedicated self-lighting triple meters. A special piano black-toned decorative centre cluster creates a sophisticated atmosphere. In addition, the powered Active Top roof is standard equipment so every owner can enjoy topless motoring.
As a GR model, the Copen GR Sport will obviously be at Toyota dealerships in Japan with the GR Garage, a retail feature intended to create a regular ‘hangout’ for sportscar enthusiasts and car fans. Outside Japan, the only country that currently has such a concept is Malaysia, so it is possible that we will see the Copen GR Sport alongside the new Supra.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing maintained its perfect record in the 2019-2020 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a 1-2 victory on home ground in the 6 Hours of Fuji which just finished this afternoon in Japan. The reigning World Champions won at Fuji Speedway for the seventh time in 8 years, this year with the #8 TS050 HYBRID of Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley earning victory from pole position.
Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez finished second, leaving both car crews tied on the same points in the lead of the World Championship. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing leads the teams’ standings by 35 points from Rebellion.
Penalties for championship leaders
The new success handicap system was implemented for the first time this weekend, imposing lap time penalties on LMP1 cars based on World Championship position and its effects became clear in the opening laps.
As championship leaders, they incurred the maximum success handicap of 1.4 seconds per lap, while Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley in the #8 TS050 HYBRID were penalised by one second per lap. The success handicaps come in addition to the established Equivalence of Technology, which meant the TS050 HYBRIDs were both up to 108 kgs heavier than their non-hybrid LMP1 rivals, who additionally were allowed to use up to 61% more fuel.
With Sebastien at the wheel, the #8 TS050 HYBRID, which carried a one second per lap handicap, held off a strong challenge from the #5 Ginetta to lead from the start while Kamui in the #7 car, with a 1.4 seconds lap time penalty, had an exciting fight for second.
Kamui lost out to Rebellion #1 through the first corners but, after a Safety Car came out (due to an accident involving GT cars), on 4 consecutive occasions, he overtook at the end of the lap only to be re-passed before Turn one. That was due to the Rebellion’s top speed advantage, a consequence of fuel and hybrid boost restrictions imposed by the success handicap system on the TS050 HYBRID.
Fastest pit work
Once established at the front, both TS050 HYBRIDs steadily stretched their advantage, helped by the fastest pit work in the field, although the #7 was unable to challenge for the lead due to the 0.4 second-per-lap difference in success handicap.
With two hours gone, late in the first stints of Mike and Brendon, light rain started. An hour later, the track surface became too slippery so both cars switched to hybrid intermediate tyres, with Jose and Kazuki taking over their respective TS050 HYBRIDs.
When conditions improved enough for a switch to slick tyres, the #8 car’s lead stood at around a minute but that was reduced to less than 30 seconds with 2 hours remaining when Kazuki was forced to take a drive-through penalty for exceeding the pit lane speed limit.
Sebastien took over the race-leading #8 for the final 90 minutes with Kamui giving chase in the #7. The gap remained stable as the end approached and Sebastien took the chequered flag in the TS050 HYBRID’s final race in Japan, 33.955 seconds ahead of Kamui. The #1 Rebellion finished two laps behind in third.
The result marked Sebastien’s 16th outright WEC victory, extending his series record, and the fourth time Kazuki has won his home race, while Brendon stood on the top of the podium for the first time as a TOYOTA GAZOO Racing driver.
Following the team’s second 1-2 finish of the season, the success handicap on both cars will be increased for the next race in Shanghai next month, although the lap time penalty will be identical for each car as both TS050 HYBRIDs have the same number of World Championship points.
This weekend’s race marks the final time for the TS050 HYBRID to compete in Japan. Fuji Speedway has a special place in the history of Toyota’s most successful endurance racing car as the location of its first victory, in 2016 when Kamui Kobayashi took a tense victory alongside Mike Conway and Stephane Sarrazin. The car, which has won a total of 14 WEC races since then, remains undefeated at the Fuji Speedway.
Last year, UMW Toyota Motor was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with the fast-growing Esports racing when it ran the inaugural TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP. With the extremely strong response, the company has decided to run a second season this year which will take place between August 31 and September 15.
“We are very delighted with the overwhelming response from the public towards our very first TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship last year, which was one of the largest Esports event in the country. We are confident that it will be more challenging this year, as more talented drivers would want to compete in the competition,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
“Esports is a rapidly rising industry in Malaysia, as well as regionally and globally. It provides thrills and excitement of racing experience for the younger generation and Toyota’s involvement in this activity complements the dynamic and sporty side of the brand through the Toyota GAZOO Racing banner,” he added.
The high-performance activities of Toyota include the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR Festival) which takes place 4 times a year at various locations around the country and enters its third season in 2019. Besides the TGR Festival and the Esports Championship, UMWT’s effort to establish a stronger presence in Malaysian motorsports will include the introduction of the GR Supra and GR Garage.
Two phases in championship
The TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP is open to all Malaysians aged 18 and above. All participants will first go through a time-trial phase at Cove Esports in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor on August 31/September 1 and September 14/15. The top 40 racers with the fastest lap times will then be eligible to enter the Grand Final event.
The Grand Final will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Centre Court) on September 21/22 from 10 am to 9 pm. From the top 40 qualifiers who will challenge each other in the final round of races, one will be crowned as the Champion for 2019. This year, winners will share a bigger pool of prize money which totals RM70,000.
The car: 2019 Toyota GR Supra
All participants will use the latest 2019 Toyota GR Supra, Toyota’s flagship sportscar developed not only for real motorsports but also for Gran Turismo Esport. This year, they will be racing around the Fuji Speedway in Japan, the famous 1.475-km long circuit with one of the longest straights in the world. The top 10 finalists will be competing head to head in a 10-lap race on a best-of-three tracks which are the Kyoto Driving Park, Suzuka Circuit as well as the Fuji Speedway.
Thrustmaster will supply its T-GT ultimate racing simulators. The racers will benefit from unique new technologies which allow them to experience the superior driving dynamics of the GR Supra and drive to the limits.
For information on the TOYOTA GAZOO RACING VELOCITY ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP and registration for participation, members of the public can visit ToyotaVelocity.com .
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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (Toyota Malaysia) has announce that their very successful TGR Festival will be entering its third season this year and fireworks will go up this coming September. Four rounds consisting of eight Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make races are in schedule as the highlight of the festival. (more…)
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s history-making TS050 HYBRID has been further optimised ahead of the 2019-2020 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season as the team prepares to defend its World Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours titles.
The 8-race season, which kicks off this week with the annual Prologue test in Barcelona, Spain, represents the final competitive entry for the TS050 HYBRID. The racing car made its debut in 2016 and has been at the centre of memorable moments in endurance racing history ever since.
Its Le Mans debut almost ended with victory before the unprecedented drama of a technical issue on the penultimate lap. In 2017, Kamui Kobayashi piloted the TS050 HYBRID to the fastest-ever Le Mans lap on his way to pole position, while Mike Conway set a new race record this year.
TS050 HYBRID gave Toyota first-ever Le Mans win
The 2018-2019 WEC season saw the TS050 HYBRID go down in history in 2018 as the first Toyota to win Le Mans, while a repeat 1-2 victory a year later capped an extraordinary season which saw TOYOTA GAZOO Racing win both the Teams’ and Drivers’ World Championships.
For the upcoming season, a 1,000 ps 4-wheel drive hybrid prototype has been modified with revised aerodynamics and further fine-tuning of mechanical parts to strengthen reliability.
“As a team. we have grown stronger and more resilient during the TS050 HYBRID era and we need to demonstrate this again as we challenge to defend our titles and, in parallel, prepare for the new hypercar regulations.”
Hisatake Murata, Team President
Veteran drivers plus newcomers
Behind the wheel of the #7 TS050 HYBRID will continue to be the trio of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose María Lopez. Brendon Hartley, a former Le Mans winner and WEC champion, joins World Champions Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in the #8 car. Thomas Laurent will combine his new role as test and reserve driver with an LMP2 race seat with Signatech Alpine in order to enhance his development.
The farewell tour for the TS050 HYBRID begins in September with the 4 Hours of Silverstone, the first of 8 races on 4 continents. In total, the car will cover 66 hours of racing on historic tracks such as Sebring, Spa-Francorchamps and Fuji Speedway, ending at Le Mans in mid-June 2020.
Attention, all of you Toyota Supra fans out there because this one is for you. Gazoo Racing Company President Shigeki Tomoyama has officially announced that the A70 and A80 Toyota Supra parts (third and fourth generation) will go back into production. This announcement was made very recently during the ‘Supra is Back to Japan Fes’. (more…)
Season 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge that ran its course during the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR Festival) has finally draw its curtains closed this weekend as three champions were crowned earlier today.
Held at the famous Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the three racing categories (Sporting, Super Sporting, and Promotional) saw racers from different backgrounds (pros, amateurs, and celebrities) duking it out for the overall champion titles and three names emerged on top. (more…)
We’re here folks! Season 2, Race 3 of the on-going Toyota Gazoo Racing Series is at Batu Kawan Stadium, and here’s the first footage of this weekend!
Swing by if you’re in the area, and stay tuned for more to come!
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