Toyota Splits Strategy With Dual Rally1 Models
“Before now, there was a specific regulation that said that for Rally1 homologation, there’s only one model allowed per manufacturer,” Toyota technical director Tom Fowler said, as reported by DirtFish.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is shaking up the World Rally Championship by running two separate teams with two distinct Rally1 models. Three crews will pilot the GR Yaris Rally1, while an additional three crews take the wheel of the GR Celica Rally1.
Competing under the banner names Toyota Racing and Gazoo Racing, the dual entries share an identical technical base. The sole variation between the machines comes down to the bodywork fitted to the spaceframe chassis.
Aerodynamic Engineering Hurdles
That cosmetic split triggered massive engineering demands behind the scenes.
Fowler told DirtFish that aerodynamic development required extra work because the two cars do not look alike. Engineers were tasked with designing both models to deliver identical aerodynamic performance despite their distinct exterior shapes.
Rally1 technical rule changes enabled this approach. Manufacturers were previously locked into a strict limit of one homologated Rally1 model per brand. Updated regulations now permit a variant model, provided the primary mechanical components remain completely identical.
Toyota Markets Brand with New Fleet
Toyota used the new regulatory freedom to market the brand and increase its championship presence.
While the manufacturer previously ran up to six cars at a single event, every past entry utilized the exact same model. Fielding two completely different body shapes pushes marketing visibility to new heights, but it has also triggered a massive logistical headache.
Tight FIA Homologation Timeline
Because six active competition cars require ample backup vehicles, Toyota must build up to 12 total rally cars for the upcoming campaign, according to Go4speed.
Homologation paperwork was submitted on Nov. 3, 2026. Official checks by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile are scheduled for December 2026, leaving the team with a compressed window to finalize preparations.
“Fowler acknowledged that the remaining timeline is tight as the team works to resolve any remaining questions before the season begins.”
More on Tom Fowler
Related reading
