The “Toyota Motorsport Spirit” makes a Fifth Appearance at Goodwood10.07.2006

A classic, invincible F3 machine burns the track with a young TDP driver of the future.

Once again, the annual “Goodwood Festival of Speed” was held in England. Beginning in 1993, this is the 14th running of the world’s largest historic motorsport event, held at Goodwood, Chichester in the south of England, where the Earl of March opens his vast estate to the public.

This year, the event commemorates 100 years since the first Grand Prix race, and for Toyota, this is the fifth appearance at Goodwood. Toyota entered four gloried machines this year. The “IMSA GTO TOYOTA Celica,” “Ralt RT1 TOYOTA,” and “TOYOTA TF105” sprinted over the 1.9km hill climb course, while the “WRC TOYOTA Celica GT–Four” sprinted through the forested rally course built last year. Toyota came to the event to demonstrate the company’s “Motorsport Spirit” and “heritage of enthusiasm” established over the years.

Mr. Tadashi Yamashina, Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation

“Having assuming my new post at Toyota Motorsport, this is my first experience here. I saw the original battles between the Nissan R381 and the Toyota 7, and I was so impressed with the Toyota 7 that I joined the company. As a Japanese auto manufacturer, we are extremely proud that we have been able to participate in this historical event, and have been recognized for our contributions. Next year marks a significant milestone for us as we celebrate 50 years in motorsport. We hope to participate again on an even greater scale, communicating the joy and history of automobiles to the old and young alike, as well as to the generation beyond, and the generation after that.”

Ralt RT1 TOYOTA Driver: Kazuki Nakajima (TDP)

“This was my first time at Goodwood, and I was amazed that the crowd was even larger than I imagined. It was a real honor for me to be able to drive together with legendary drivers. The machine I drove today was from my father’s days as a racer 30 years ago–the machine that N. Piquet drove to the British F3 Championship. The car was extremely smooth in response and shifting. It was so easy to drive that I had a hard time believing so much time had passed since its glory days. I hope Japan will hold this type of wonderful, historic racing car event of its own someday.”

TOYOTA TF105 (2005) Driver: R. Zonta

“I was happy to get behind the wheel of a V10 engine again after nine months [driving V8 engines under new Grand Prix rules]. The atmosphere of driving the old car in front of so many fans was awesome, and the 1.9 kilometers of the hill climb passed by in the blink of an eye.”

Ralt RT1 TOYOTA F3 (1978) Driver: Kazuki Nakajima

“This is the Toyota F3 engine that won consecutive races back in its day. It was extremely smooth, and even now boasts its fighting power. We will do everything in our power to continue the fight to win the current Europe F3 Championship, drawing inspiration from the accomplishments of this car.”

IMSA GTO TOYOTA Celica Turbo (1987) Driver: D. Aase

“It’s been 21 years since I drove this Celica, and I am truly grateful to Toyota for the chance to drive it again. I was very happy to be able to meet with so many old friends.”

WRC TOYOTA Celica GT–Four (1990) Driver: B. Waldegard

“I was very pleased to have the opportunity to once again drive this memorable rally car with which I captured Toyota’s first drivers’ title. Many fans from the old days cheered us on again at the specially constructed rally course.”