Toyota Announces WRC Return From Season 2017

Yaris WRC, with its elder sibling Corolla WRC

Toyota Yaris WRC - Front view

Global automotive major, Toyota has confirmed its ambitious return back to WRC from season 2017. From its newsroom release, earlier today in its Japanese website, the intention to return to top level Rallying is evident. Again its a 'win:win proposition' for the sport and automotive community(?) as a whole.

Toyota Yaris WRC - Rear view

Toyota agrees that by its WRC programme, it will help to understand, improve the level of their product line, for motorsport & finally pass it on to road going cars. A thumbs up here! The rally vehicle will be based on the "Yaris" hatchback and will be developed and tested by Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

Toyota Yaris WRC - Side view

Yaris in its WRC outfit was seen a few times testing in European region since early 2014, although the car was de-badged during the time. Perhaps, the automotive outfit wanted to keep it under wrap until its final 'GO' word for the Yaris platform, which happened early this week.

Excerpts of Toyota's Official Press Release!

Toyota Yaris WRC - Studio

• Toyota has started preparations for its return in 2017, judging this event to be a leading stage to promote its ever-better-cars activities.
• Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is developing and testing the engine and vehicle, which is based on the Yaris.
• Between 1973 and 1999 (with a temporary suspension between 1996 and 1997), Toyota won 43 WRC rallies and won the championship three times.

Vehicle	Yaris WRC (length 3,910 mm; width 1,820 mm)
Engine	1.6-liter direct-injection turbo (in line with global race engine stipulations)
Tires	Michelin
2015 test drivers	Stéphane Sarrazin, Sebastian Lindholm, Eric Camilli

Drivers for the 2017 competition are as yet undecided.

Morizo Test Drives Toyota Yaris WRC

The Yaris WRC Story