TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Outlines 2018 Motorsports Activities
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing positions motorsports activities as the basis of its quest to create ever-better cars. From products developed through these activities to the establishment of the GR Garage (sales outlet), TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motorsports activities have been promoted as a comprehensive method of increasing numbers of car fans.
In order to provide to a wider audience the anticipation and excitement of driving, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will engage in the motorsports activities in 2018 listed below.
2018 WRC Round 1: Monte Carlo
2018 WEC TS050 HYBRID
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will race as a manufacturer team under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing name in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race on a global level, and domestically in the Japanese Rally Championship.
In the U.S., Toyota will continue to compete in NASCAR events. In South America, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will support Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., who will participate in the following Dakar Rally.
In domestic races, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will attempt to retain their championships in both Super GT and the Japanese Super Formula Championship.
In its focus on cultivating young drivers who have the ability to compete in top racing categories throughout the world, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue to run the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Challenge Program for rallies, as well as the Toyota Young Drivers Program (TDP) for races.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will also continue to implement a range of initiatives aimed at encouraging a wider audience to experience the joy and increase their love of cars. To this end, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will host motorsports events that customers can participate and enjoy, such as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Netz Cup Vitz Race, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge and a variety of circuit events; it will also hold the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PARK hands-on event, in collaboration with dealers nationwide.
Last year, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing announced 9 models and 11 types in its GR series, which incorporate technologies and knowledge gleaned from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motorsports activities. In addition, as demonstrated by the GR Super Sport Concept unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 in January, Toyota is engaging in what is for the company an entirely new concept of creating commercial sports cars based on its racing vehicles.
Going forward, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue to work together with its affiliates to create ever-better cars through its motorsports activities. At the same time, through its products and its sales outlet, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to satisfy the passion of car lovers, and bring the joy of cars to an even wider audience.
Outline of Toyota’s 2018 Motorsports Activities
1) FIA World Rally Championship (WRC)
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing positions the WRC series as an important platform to help promote its ever-better-cars initiatives, and started participating again in 2017.
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will race the Yaris WRC (Japan name: Vitz) developed in Finland under the leadership of Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen.
The engine is a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbo GI4A, developed at Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).
| Team name | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (WRT) |
|---|---|
| Team chairman | Akio Toyoda |
| Team principal | Tommi Mäkinen (Finland) |
| Vehicle | Yaris WRC (length: 4,085 mm; width: 1,875 mm) |
| Engine | GI4A (1.6-liter direct-injection turbo with a maximum output of at least 380 horsepower) |
| Tires | Michelin |
| No. | Driver / Co-driver |
|---|---|
| 7 | Jari-Matti Latvala (Finland) / Miikka Anttila (Finland) |
| 8 | Ott Tänak (Estonia) / Martin Järveoja (Estonia) |
| 9 | Esapekka Lappi (Finland) / Janne Ferm (Finland) |
2) FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
- The FIA World Endurance Championship has taken place every year since 2012.
- 2018-2019 is set to be a “Super Season” that begins with Spa-Francorchamps on May 5, 2018, and concludes with the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15-16, 2019.
- The 24 Hours of Le Mans will be held twice-in Round 2, on June 16-17, 2018, and in Round 8, on June 15-16, 2019-while Round 4, the 6 Hours of Fuji, will take place on October 21, 2018.
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is scheduled to compete in all 8 races with two of the improved TS050 HYBRID, developed and operated by TMG.
- The THS-R(TOYOTA Hybrid System-Racing) powertrain, developed at TOYOTA Higashifuji Technical Center in Japan, not only follows the existing four-wheel regenerative/drive system, but also improves the reliability of the engine, electric motors/generators and batteries. These technologies will be leveraged to the mass-production hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López will drive the No.7 car, while Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Fernando Alonso, who will join as a newcomer, will drive the No.8 car for all races of the WEC. Anthony Davidson will continue to be part of the team as a Reserve and Development Driver.
- TS050 HYBRID will be equipped with Michelin tires.
| Team | Vehicle | No. | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA GAZOO Racing | TS050 Hybrid | 7 | Mike Conway (UK) |
| Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) | |||
| José María López (Argentina) | |||
| 8 | Sébastien Buemi (Switzerland) | ||
| Kazuki Nakajima (Japan) | |||
| Fernando Alonso (Spain) |
3) Nürburgring 24 Hours Endurance Race
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing positions the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race as the starting point of its activities aimed to make ever-better cars, and will participate for the 12th consecutive year in 2018. Through its participation in the race, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing seeks to activities aimed at developing its people and cars, and supports the development of Toyota’s commercial vehicles.
- The 46th Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race (official name: 46. ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen) will take place on May 12-13, 2018.
- The newly developed Lexus LC will make its debut on the European motorsports scene at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will enter 1 vehicle.
Toyota mechanics and engineers developed a new Lexus LC to comply with the race regulations, and are currently putting it through a number of tests in preparation for the main event in May. The Lexus LC incorporates a number of advanced development technologies* that will be used in future sports cars and other commercial vehicles, and thereby aims to support the creation of ever-better cars.
| Team | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle / Class | Lexus LC / SP-PRO (planned) | |
| Main Specifications | Engine | 2UR-GSE modified |
| Tires | Bridgestone | |
| Driver | Takeshi Tsuchiya (Japan) | |
| Takamitsu Matsui (Japan) | ||
| Naoya Gamo (Japan) | ||
| Yuichi Nakayama (Japan) | ||
*The Lexus LC features the following advanced development technologies destined for future production vehicles.
Body technology (reducing weight, increasing rigidity)
Driver assistance technology (enhancing visibility, etc.)
Aerodynamics technology
Engine technology (increasing power by reducing friction, enhancing fuel economy, etc.)
Suspension technology (reducing weight, increasing rigidity, enhancing responsiveness, etc.)
4) NASCAR
- Toyota will continue to compete in the NASCAR series through Toyota Motor North America and T.R.D U.S.A., Inc...
- Toyota will compete with the Toyota Camry in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The Toyota Camry and the Toyota Tundra will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, respectively.
- All vehicles will be fitted with Goodyear tires.
Toyota Teams and Drivers for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
| Team | No. | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Gibbs Racing | 11 | Denny Hamlin (U.S.) |
| 18 | Kyle Busch (U.S.) | |
| 19 | Daniel Suárez (Mexico) | |
| 20 | Erik Jones (U.S.) | |
| Furniture Row Racing | 78 | Martin Truex Jr. (U.S.) |
5) Dakar Rally
- Toyota regularly supports Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body (TLC), which competes in the Dakar Rally with Toyota Land Cruiser 200.
- At the Dakar Rally 2018 held in January this year, car No. 328 retired in the first half of the race. However, car No.337 finished in first place in the Production Vehicle Division, giving TLC its fifth consecutive victory and Akira Miura his first win.
Team Land Cruiser
| Vehicle | Driver / Co-driver | Position in Production Vehicle Division1 |
Position in Diesel Class2 |
Overall Position | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car no. 328 | Driver | Christian Lavieille (France) | Retired in the first half of the rally | ||
| Co-driver | Jean Pierre Garcin (France) | ||||
| Car no. 337 | Driver | Akira Miura (Japan)*3 | 1st | 1st | 25th |
| Co-driver | Laurent Lichtleuchter (France) | ||||
1 Includes gasoline and diesel classes
2 TLC competed in the diesel class of the production vehicle division
3 Toyota Auto Body Employee
- Also, many teams including global Toyota group, are challenging the Dakar Rally with Toyota's vehicles.
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) won second and third place overall, Hino Team Sugawara (Hino Motors) won nine consecutive titles in the truck category (less than 10 liters displacement class).
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa
| Vehicle | Driver / Co-driver | Overall Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car no.301 | Driver | N. Aｌ-Attiyah (Qatar) | 2nd |
| Co-driver | M. Baumel (France) | ||
| Car no.304 | Driver | G. de Villiers (South Africa) | 3rd |
| Co-driver | D. Von Zitzewitz (Germany) | ||
| Car no.309 | Driver | B. Ten Brink (Netherlands) | Retired |
| Co-driver | M. Perin (France) | ||
HINO Team Sugawara
| Vehicle | Driver / Co-driver | Truck category (less than 10 liters displacement class) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car no.521 | Driver | Yoshimasa Sugawara (Japan) | Retired |
| Co-driver | Katsumi Hamura (Japan) | ||
| Car no.511 | Driver | Teruhito Sugawara (Japan) | 1st |
| Co-driver | Mitsugu Takahashi (Japan) | ||
6) SUPER GT
(1) GT500 Class
- Super GT series is the top category of Japanese car racing.
- In 2018, LEXUS GAZOO Racing will continue to enter the Lexus LC 500.
- LEXUS GAZOO Racing will support 6 teams and 6 vehicles through TRD.
| Class | Team | Vehicle | No. | Driver | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT500 | LEXUS TEAM KeePer TOM’S | KeePer TOM’S LC500 | 1 | Ryo Hirakawa (Japan) | BS |
| Nick Cassidy (New Zealand) | |||||
| LEXUS TEAM LEMANS WAKO’S | WAKO’S 4CR LC500 | 6 | Kazuya Oshima (Japan) | BS | |
| Felix Rosenqvist (Sweden) | |||||
| LEXUS TEAM WedsSport BANDOH | WedsSport ADVAN LC500 | 19 | Yuji Kunimoto (Japan) | YH | |
| Kenta Yamashita (Japan) | |||||
| LEXUS TEAM au TOM’S | au TOM’S LC500 | 36 | Kazuki Nakajima (Japan) | BS | |
| Yuhi Sekiguchi (Japan) | |||||
| LEXUS TEAM ZENT CERUMO | ZENT CERUMO LC500 | 38 | Yuji Tachikawa (Japan) | BS | |
| Hiroaki Ishiura (Japan) | |||||
| LEXUS TEAM SARD | DENSO KOBELCO SARD LC500 | 39 | Heikki Kovalainen (Finland) | BS | |
| Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) |
Tire Brand: BS: Bridgestone; YH: Yokohama
(2) GT300 Class
- In the GT300 class, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will enter 2 Toyota Prius and 3 Lexus RC F GT3 models.
| Class | Team | Vehicle | No. | Driver | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT300 | apr | Toyota Prius apr GT | 30 | Hiroaki Nagai (Japan) | YH |
| Kota Sasaki (Japan) | |||||
| Toyota Prius apr GT | 31 | Koki Saga (Japan) | BS | ||
| Kohei Hirate (Japan) | |||||
| arto-Panther Team Thailand | arto RC F GT3 | 35 | Nattavude Charoensukhawatana (Thailand) | YH | |
| Nattapong Hortongkum (Thailand) | |||||
| LM corsa | SYNTIUM LMcorsa RC F GT3 | 60 | Hiroki Yoshimoto (Japan) | YH | |
| Ritomo Miyata (Japan) | |||||
| K-tunes Racing LM corsa | K-tunes RC F GT3 | 96 | Morio Nitta (Japan) | BS | |
| Yuichi Nakayama (Japan) |
Tire Brand: BS: Bridgestone; YH: Yokohama
7) Japanese Super Formula Championship
- The Japanese Super Formula Championship is the top category of Japanese formula racing.
- Through TRD, Toyota will supply the two-liter four-cylinder RI4A direct-injection gasoline turbo engine for 11 vehicles in 6 teams.
- All vehicles will be equipped with tires made by Yokohama Rubber.
| Team | No. | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| P.MU/CERUMO・INGING | 1 | Hiroaki Ishiura (Japan) |
| 2 | Yuji Kunimoto (Japan) | |
| Kondo Racing | 3 | Nick Cassidy (New Zealand) |
| 4 | Kenta Yamashita (Japan) | |
| Sunoco Team LeMans | 7 | TBD |
| 8 | Kazuya Oshima (Japan) | |
| carrozzeria Team KCMG | 18 | Kamui Kobayashi (Japan) |
| Team Impul | 19 | Yuhi Sekiguchi (Japan) |
| 20 | Ryo Hirakawa (Japan) | |
| Vantelin Team Tom’s | 36 | Kazuki Nakajima (Japan) |
| 37 | James Rossiter (UK) |
8) Japanese Rally Championship
- Through participation in the Rally Championship, the greatest of all rallies in Japan, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue refining its people and its cars toward the creation of ever-better cars.
- Toyota staff will act as engineers and mechanics, and be involved in all aspects of participation from vehicle production to rallying.
| Team | Vehicle | Driver / Co-driver | Engineers and Mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA GAZOO Racing | TGR Vitz CVT | Tomoyuki Shinkai / Yuichi Ando | Toyota Employees |
9) Customer Motorsports (GT3)
- Through global sales and its customer support of the Lexus RC F GT3, LEXUS GAZOO Racing will enable customers from around the world to enjoy GT3 races, and contribute to enhancing the image of the Lexus brand. LEXUS GAZOO Racing will also provide feedback of technologies developed through its race activities to its commercial vehicles, and enhance the products.
- From 2018, the Lexus RC F GT3 will appear in more GT3 races in the United States, Europe, and Japan, as listed below:
| Region | Series | Class | Team | Number of Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship | GTD | 3GT Racing | 2 |
| Europe | Blancpain GT Series | Pro | Emil Frey Lexus Racing | 2 |
| VLN Langstrecken Meisterschaft Nürburgring | SP9 | TBD | TBD | |
| Japan | SUPER GT | GT300 | See “6) SUPER GT (2) GT300 Class” | 3 |
| Super Taikyu | ST-X | MAX Racing | 1 |
10) Japan-based participatory motorsport events
In the hope of extending the enjoyment of driving, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will provide a full range of driving activities at venues around Japan in collaboration with the various regions and circuits, with increased support for people who would like to compete in participatory motorsports events such as races and rallies.
(1) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race (organized by the Toyota Cars Race Association)
- The 86/BRZ Race started in 2013 and is a one-make race in which only Toyota 86Racing and Subaru BRZ RA Racing compete in. Since 2015, the race has been divided into the Professional Series and the Clubman Series. While many professional drivers who have raced in the Super GT and Super Formula compete in the Professional Series, only amateur drivers are allowed to compete in the Clubman Series.
- In 2018, there will be 8 rounds at 7 circuits throughout Japan. Races for both series will be held concurrently.
- From 2018, new regulations stipulate that only parts commercially available in Japan can be used. This will enable participants to compete with more equal conditions.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race Schedule
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | March 31-April 1 | Suzuka Circuit | Super Taikyu |
| Rd.2 | April 28-29 | Sportsland SUGO | Super Taikyu |
| Rd.3 | May 27 | Autopolis | Gold Cup |
| Rd.4 | June 23-24 | Okayama International Circuit | Okayama Challenge Cup |
| Rd.5 | July 21-22 | Fuji Speedway | THE ONEMAKE RACE FESTIVAL SUMMER |
| Rd.6 | August 19 | Tokachi International Speedway | Hokkaido Clubman Cup |
| Rd.7 | September 22-23 | Twin Ring Motegi | Super Taikyu |
| Rd.8 | October 27-28 | Suzuka Circuit | Super Formula (JAF GP) |
(2) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Netz Cup Vitz Race (organized by the Toyota Cars Race Association)
- The Netz Cup Vitz Race is an amateur race open to anyone who drives a Vitz RS Racing or Vitz GR Sports Racing Package and holds a class A license.
It is a popular race with a strong and consistent fan-base, which started in 2000 and will mark its 19th year in 2018. The race is held across Japan, with more than half of the participants being beginner racers, and many female drivers participating as well.
In 2018, a total of 17 races are scheduled to be held at 7 circuits in 5 regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, and Western Japan), with additional special rounds.
- In addition to 5-speed MT vehicles, from this season Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) vehicles will also be eligible to participate.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Netz Cup Vitz Race Schedule (Provisional)
Hokkaido Series
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | May 20 | Tokachi International Speedway | Hokkaido Clubman Cup |
| Rd.2 | August 19 | Tokachi International Speedway | Hokkaido Clubman Cup |
| Rd.3* | October 14 | Tokachi International Speedway | Hokkaido Clubman Cup |
Tohoku Series
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | April 15 | Twin Ring Motegi | Motegi Champion Cup |
| Rd.2 | May 13 | Sportsland SUGO | SUGO Champion Cup |
| Rd.3* | August 26 | Sportsland SUGO | SUGO Champion Cup |
Kanto Series
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | May 3-4 | Fuji Speedway | Super GT |
| Rd.2 | June 10 | Twin Ring Motegi | Motegi Champion Cup |
| Rd.3 | July 21-22 | Fuji Speedway | THE ONEMAKE RACE FESTIVAL SUMMER |
| Rd.4 | October 6-7 | Fuji Speedway | Fuji Champion Race |
Kansai Series
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | March 17-18 | Suzuka Circuit | Suzuka Clubman Race |
| Rd.2 | April 21-22 | Okayama International Circuit | Okayama Challenge Cup |
| Rd.3 | June 17 | Suzuka Circuit | Suzuka Clubman Race |
| Rd.4 | October 21 | Okayama International Circuit | Okayama Challenge Cup |
Western Japan Series
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rd.1 | May 27 | Autopolis | Gold Cup |
| Rd.2 | July 15 | Autopolis | Super Taikyu |
| Rd.3* | November 11 | Autopolis | Gold Cup |
Special round
| Round | Date | Location | Concurrent Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Final | TBD | TBD | TBD |
* 2 races will be held on the same day.
(3) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge (organized by the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge Office)
- The TGR Rally Challenge is a series of one-day rallies held only on Sundays for easy entry. It serves as an introduction to domestic rallies, and is held at locations across Japan.
Part of the series’ attraction lies in the fact that anybody with a class B license is eligible to enter with a hybrid or AT versions of 86, Vitz, and Aqua models.
- To supplement the existing TGR Rally Challenge Series, in 2018 a new TGR Rally Challenge Joint Cup Series will take place in Hokkaido and Kyushu. A special round will also be held at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The Shinshiro race, which will be held concurrently with the Japanese Rally Championship, will be an event for leading rally drivers in the Eastern and Western Series.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge Series
Eastern Series
| Date | Location | Prefecture | Race Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 22 | Yatsugatake, Chino | Nagano | Original Round1 |
| June 24 | Shibukawa | Gunma | Original Round1 |
| July 15 | Hirosaki | Aomori | Cup Round2 |
| July 29 | Ishikari | Hokkaido | Cup Round2 |
| September 23 | Fukushima | Fukushima | Original Round1 |
| November 4 | Shinshiro | Aichi | To be held concurrently with the Japanese Rally Championship |
Western Series
| Date | Location | Prefecture | Race Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 25 | Akitakata | Hiroshima | Cup Round2 |
| May 27 | Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest Park | Fukui | Original Round1 |
| August 26 | Tango Peninsula | Kyoto | Cup Round2 |
| September 9 | Karatsu | Saga | Cup Round2 |
| October 21 | Takaoka Manyo | Toyama | Cup Round2 |
| November 4 | Shinshiro | Aichi | To be held concurrently with the Japanese Rally Championship |
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge Joint Cup Series
Hokkaido
| Date | Regional Rally Name | Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| January 14 | 32nd Ezo Endless Rally | Hokkaido |
| February 18 | Hokkaido Blizzard Rally | |
| May 13 | Super Tarmac 2018 | |
| July 15 | North Attack Rally | |
| July 29 | Ezo Summer Rally 2018 (To be held concurrently with the Cup Round) | |
| September 1-2 | 2018 ARK Sprint 300 | |
| October 6-7 | Tokachi 2018 |
Kyushu
| Date | Regional Rally Name | Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| March 24-25 | MCA Capriccio 2018 | Fukuoka |
| April 21-22 | Himuka Rally 2018 | Miyazaki |
| May 26 | 2018 ACK Spring Rally | Fukuoka |
| July 14-15 | 30th FMSC Mountain Rally 2018 | Saga |
| September 8-9 | Gravel Mind Rally 2018 in Karatsu (To be held concurrently with the Cup Round) |
Saga |
| October 6-7 | EAST Kyushu 2018 | Oita |
Special Round
| Date | Location | Race Format | |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 18 | Foot of Mt. Fuji | Shizuoka Prefecture | Original Round1 |
1 Original Round: Held by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing only
2 Cup Round: Held in combination with the All-Japan Rally, district rallies, etc.
(4) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Waku-Doki Circuit Events and Sports Driving Lessons
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue to provide a variety of lesson programs suited to the individual’s skill level, ranging from lessons which are designed to teach the basic vehicle operations of driving, turning, and stopping, to high-level practical driving techniques.
- In total, 14 Regular Circuit Racing Programs designed for sports driving beginners will be held at circuits across Japan.
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will also offer sports driving lessons and step-up programs 9 times at circuits across Japan. These events are aimed at drivers wanting to improve their sports driving proficiency, or for those planning to compete in one-make races or rallies.
- In addition, at Mega Web in Tokyo, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will host a series of events where people can try full braking and slalom driving, and experience motorsports more easily.
a. Full braking and slalom experience
This program will provide a deeper understanding of vehicle behavior associated with driving, turning, and stopping operations.
b. Regular circuit racing program
This program will provide the experience of circuit driving.
c. Sports driving lessons
Lessons will be provided to help drivers advance their skills and prepare for competition in events such as the Netz Cup Vitz Race and the 86/BRZ Race.
a Full Braking and Slalom Experience at Mega Web
See the Mega Web website for event schedule (Japanese only):
http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/article/wakudoki_driving/
| b "Waku Doki" Circuit Events Schedule (tentative) | c Sports Driving Lesson Schedule (tentative) | ||
| Date | Location | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 24 | Tsukuba Circuit | April 30 | Sportsland SUGO |
| May 17 | Okayama International Circuit | May 31 | Okayama International Circuit |
| June 9 | Autopolis (no.1) | June 10 | Autopolis (no.1) |
| June 23 | TS Takata Circuit | June 14 | Fuji Speedway (no.1) |
| June 27 | Fuji Speedway (mobilitas) | September 5 | Twin Ring Motegi |
| July 4 | Twin Ring Motegi | October 12 | Fuji Speedway (no.2) |
| July 15 | Nihonkai Maze Circuit | October 23 | Suzuka Circuit |
| August 11 | Ebisu Circuit | October 30 | Tsukuba Circuit |
| August 15 | Fuji Speedway | November 5 | Autopolis (no.2) |
| September 2 | Asan Circuit | ||
| September 11 | Suzuka Circuit | ||
| September 22 | Tokachi International Speedway | ||
| November 4 | Autopolis (no.2) | ||
| November 9 | Sportsland SUGO | ||
11) Driver development initiatives in Japan
(1) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge Program
- This program started in 2015 with the goal of cultivating young rally drivers to be able to compete on the world stage.
- Under the supervision of Tommi Mäkinen, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue to develop young drivers through participation in actual rallies, with a focus on WRC2.
| Driver | Co-driver |
|---|---|
| Takamoto Katsuta (Japan) | Marko Salminen (Finland) |
| Hiroki Arai (Japan) | Glenn MacNeall (Australia) |
2018 Schedule
| Date | Event | Vehicle | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 25-27 | Arctic Lapland Rally (Finnish Rally Championship Round 1) | Ice/snow | Ford Fiesta R5 |
| 2 | February 15-18 | Rally Sweden (FIA World Rally Championship Round 2) | Snow | |
| 3 | March 23-25 | Rally Il Ciocco e Valle del Serchio (Italian Rally Championship Round 1) | Tarmac | |
| 4 | April 5-8 | Rally France (FIA World Rally Championship Round 4) | Tarmac | |
| 5 | Early May | TBD | Gravel | |
| 6 | May 17-20 | Rally Portugal (FIA World Rally Championship Round 6) | Gravel | |
| 7 | June 7-10 | Rally Italy (FIA World Rally Championship Round 7) | Gravel | |
| 8 | July 12-14 | Autoglym Rally (Finland) | Gravel | |
| 9 | July 26-29 | Rally Finland (FIA World Rally Championship Round 8) | Gravel | |
| 10 | August 31- September 1 | Enset Oy SM-Ralli (Finnish Rally Championship Round 6) | Gravel | |
Co-driver Development Program
- This program started in 2017 with the goal of cultivating Japanese co-drivers to be able to compete on the world stage.
- In 2018, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue to develop its co-drivers through participation in actual rallies on a variety of surfaces, including its first appearance in WRC2.
| Driver | Co-driver |
|---|---|
| Jarkko Nikara (Finland) | Sayaka Adachi (Japan) |
2018 Schedule
| Date | Event | Vehicle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 25-27 | Arctic Lapland Rally (Finnish Rally Championship Round 1) | Ice/snow | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (R4) |
| February 15-18 | Rally Sweden (FIA World Rally Championship Round 2) | Snow | Ford Fiesta R5 |
| March 3 | SM Itäralli (Finnish Rally Championship Round 3) | Snow | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (R4) |
| March 23-25 | Rally Il Ciocco e Valle del Serchio (Italian Rally Championship Round 1) | Tarmac | Ford Fiesta R2 |
| May 18-19 | SM O.K. Auto-ralli (Finnish Rally Championship Round 4) | Gravel | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (R4) |
| June 15-16 | Pohjanmaa Ralli (Finnish Rally Championship Round 5) | Gravel | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (R4) |
| July 12-14 | Autoglym Rally (Finland) | Gravel | Ford Fiesta R5 |
| July 26-29 | Rally Finland (FIA World Rally Championship Round 8) | Gravel | Ford Fiesta R5 |
| August 31 -September 1 | Enset Oy SM-Ralli (Finnish Rally Championship Round 6) | Gravel | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (R4) |
(2) Toyota Young Drivers Program (TDP)
- This program supports young drivers to be able to compete in top racing categories around the world.
- The program is dedicated to identifying new talent, and provides a framework to hone the abilities of participants, depending on their particular strengths.
- Ryo Hirakawa will return to Super Formula, while Kenta Yamashita will step up to the Super GT GT500 class.
- Ritomo Miyata, who has won the FIA F4 Japanese Championship for 2 consecutive years, will also participate in the Super GT GT300 class.
List of Toyota Young Drivers Program Participants for 2018
| Driver | Race Category | Team | Remarks / 2017 Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenta Yamashita | SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM WedsSport BANDOH |
・SUPER GT GT300 (5th overall in series) ・Japanese Super Formula Championship (11th overall in series) |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | Kondo Racing | ||
| Sho Tsuboi | Japanese Formula 3 Championship | Corolla Chukyo Kuo Team Tom’s | ・Japanese Formula 3 Championship (2nd overall in series) ・SUPER GT GT300 (3rd overall in series) |
| SUPER GT (GT300) | Tsuchiya Engineering | ||
| Ritomo Miyata | Japanese Formula 3 Championship | Corolla Chukyo Kuo Team Tom’s | ・Japanese Formula 3 Championship (4th overall in series) ・FIA-F4 Japanese Champion |
| SUPER GT (GT300) | LM corsa |
2018 Race Categories for Toyota Young Drivers Program Graduates
| Driver | Race Category | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Kazuki Nakajima | FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing |
| SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM au TOM’S | |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | Vantelin Team Tom’s | |
| Kamui Kobayashi | FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing |
| SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM SARD | |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | carrozzeria Team KCMG | |
| Hiroaki Ishiura | SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM ZENT CERUMO |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | P.MU/CERUMO・INGING | |
| Kohei Hirate | SUPER GT (GT300) | apr |
| Kazuya Oshima | SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM LEMANS WAKO’S |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | Sunoco Team LeMans | |
| Yuji Kunimoto | SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM WedsSport BANDOH |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | P.MU/CERUMO・INGING | |
| Ryo Hirakawa | SUPER GT (GT500) | LEXUS TEAM KeePer TOM’S |
| Japanese Super Formula Championship | Team Impul | |
| Yuichi Nakayama | Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance | TOYOTA GAZOO Racing |
| SUPER GT (GT300) | K-tunes Racing LM corsa |
■ Formula Toyota Racing School (FTRS)
- The school aims to discover and cultivate racing drivers to be able to compete in top racing categories both in Japan and around the world. It also seeks to widen the base of the motorsports pyramid in a healthy manner by educating people on correct driving skills.
- Support for race participation in future seasons will be provided to students deemed to have the greatest driving potential.
(FTRS dates for 2018 are undecided.)
■ FIA F4 Japanese Championship
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will support young drivers competing in the FIA F4 Japanese Championship, which is the entry class formula category.
- 7 events and 14 races have been scheduled.
12) 5 Continents Drive Project
- Toyota began its 5 Continents Drive Project in Australia in 2014. with the same aim for “ever-better cars” as motorsports activities of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Employees drive Toyota vehicles by diverse types of roads used by customers around the world, gaining experience and knowledge of road conditions that cannot be predicted or replicated on test courses. The understanding obtained in this exercise supports Toyota’s goal of creating “ever-better cars”, and cultivates expertise in employees.
With the milestone year of 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympics approaching, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing continues to carry out its 5 Continents activities.
- In 2017, Toyota conducted the fourth leg of its project in Europe. Taking as its theme, “learning from the roads, diversity and culture of the birthplace of cars”, around 140 Japanese and local employees drove over approximately 21,000 km of roads in 23 countries. A total of 500 employees have now participated in the project as a whole.
- For the fifth leg of its project, Toyota plans to drive across Africa, the second largest and second most populous continent in the world. With its distinctive culture and climate, participants will experience harsh driving environments. The theme of the fifth leg will be: “Better understanding customer needs, local environments and what sort of cars will be optimally suited for the Africa of the future.”
| Year | Continent | Distance driven | Number of days driven |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Australia | Approx. 20,000 km | 72 days |
| 2015 | North America | Approx. 28,000 km | 109 days |
| 2016 | Latin America | Approx. 20,000 km | 84 days |
| 2017 | Europe | Approx. 21,000 km | 85 days |
| 2018 | Africa | Approx. 15,000 km (planned) | Approx.2 months (planned) |
13) GR Series and GR Garage
GR Series
Overview
In its aim to create ever-better cars, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing refines people and cars through a variety of motorsports activities, such as the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. The GR Series is a newly established series for sports cars that have been developed using the knowledge and knowhow acquired by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing through its motorsports activities.
Main Characteristics
- Improved driving performance through increased body rigidity, specially tuned suspension, and other modifications
- Sporty exterior and interior designs
Model Structure
- GRMN: GRMN is the top tier of the GR series. Vehicles are sold in limited quantities and feature tuned engines
- GR: GR vehicles are mass-produced sports models that possess the essence of GRMN
- GR SPORT: Also available as minivans, GR SPORT vehicles offer drivers the chance to enjoy casual sports car driving experiences
- GR PARTS (only for Japan as of now): Aftermarket GR PARTS will beprovided for customers to enjoy customizing their cars. The parts have been developed to improve driving functionality, and there are plans to add functional items to the line-up in the future.
Reference: List of GR Series Vehicles in Japan (announced on September 19 and November 21, 2017)
| Seating (Occupants) |
Engine | Drive Train | Transmission | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitz | GRMN1 | 5 | 2ZR-FE (1.8-liter supercharger) |
2WD (FF) |
6MT |
| GR SPORT “GR” | 1NZ-FE (1.5-liter) | 5MT | |||
| Super CVT-i | |||||
| GR SPORT | 5MT | ||||
| Super CVT-i | |||||
| 1NZ-FXE (1.5-liter) | THSⅡ | ||||
| Prius PHV | S “GR SPORT” | 4 | 2ZR-FXE (1.8-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
THSⅡ |
| S “Navi Package / GR SPORT” |
|||||
| Harrier | ELEGANCE “GR SPORT” |
5 | 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
Super CVT-i |
| 4WD | |||||
| 8AR-FTS (2.0-liter direct injection turbo) |
4WD | 6 Super ECT | |||
| Mark X | 350RDS “GR SPORT” | 5 | 2GR-FSE (3.5-liter) | 2WD (FR) |
6 Super ECT |
| 250S “GR SPORT” | 4GR-FSE (2.5-liter) | ||||
| Voxy | ZS “GR SPORT” | 7 | 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
Super CVT-i |
| Noah | Si “GR SPORT” | 7 | 3ZR-FAE (2.0-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
Super CVT-i |
| 86 | GR | 4 | FA20 (2.0-liter) | 2WD (FR) |
6MT |
| Aqua | G“GR SPORT” | 5 | 1NZ-FXE (1.5-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
THSⅡ |
| G“GR SPORT / 17 inch Package” |
|||||
| Prius α | S “Touring Selection/ GR SPORT” | 5 | 2ZR-FXE (1.8-liter) | 2WD (FF) |
THSⅡ |
| 7 | |||||
Super CVT-i: Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent
THSⅡ: TOYOTA Hybrid System Ⅱ
6 Super ECT: Super Intelligent 6-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission (automatic)
1 Regarding sales of the Vitz GRMN in Japan
The Vitz GRMN is a limited edition model with only 150 units production. Customers can apply to purchase a Vitz GRMN at GR Garages nationwide as well as on the dedicated Vitz GRMN website (http://TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.com/pages/grmn/vitz) between April 9 to May 13, 2018. Should the total number of purchase applications exceed 150 units, successful applicants will be chosen by lottery on May 21.
GR Garage
Overview
In coordination with the launch of the GR series, a number of dealers in Japan are establishing a series of GR Garage shops in cooperation with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. The garages will act as regional bases that aim to bring the joy of cars to a wide range of customers, with a focus on sports cars and motorsports.
Staffed at all times by dedicated GR Consultants, GR Garage provides a place where car-loving customers can talk with the staff and have fun. The garages will provide opportunities for customers to test-drive the 86 and GR series vehicles2. In addition, they will sell custom parts and TGR collection items, host variety of events and activities, and create a place for adults and children to indulge their love of cars3.
GR Garage shops seek to become “the most exciting car shop in town” a place where car fans can gather, engage in conversation, and share their love of cars. 39 GR Garage shops will be launched by the end of March 2018.
All AREA 86 shops will close by March 2018, and 39 GR Garage shops are scheduled to open within fiscal year 2017.
2 Test-drive vehicles will vary from garage to garage, depending on the models handled by the managing dealer.
3 GR Garage shops and activities will vary according to the managing dealer. For further details, please ask your local GR Garage.
List of GR Garage Shops (scheduled to open by the end of March 2018)
| Shop Name | Dealer | Address | Scheduled Date of Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR Garage MTG Hinodemachi | Miyagi Toyota Motor | 2-3-7, Hinode-machi, Miyagino-ku, Sendai City | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Yamagata Customize Factory | Yamagata Toyota Motor | 11-24, Minamiichiban-cho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Mito Keyakidai | Ibaraki Toyota Motor | 3210-2, Sakado-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Takasaki IC | Gunma Toyota Motor | 890-22, Shimano-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Nagano | Nagano Toyota Motor | 2465-1, Miyakubo, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Takatsuji | Aichi Toyota Motor | 5-1, Takatsuji-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya City | Open |
| GR Garage Suzuka Mie Toyota | Mie Toyota Motor | 762, Kanbehonda-machi, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage ASAHI | Osaka Toyota Motor | 2-21-3, Takadono, Asahi-ku, Osaka City | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Itsukaichi Inter | Hiroshima Toyota Motor | 4-8-11, Ozuka, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima City | Open |
| GR Garage Toyota Tsuchihashi | Nagoya Toyopet | 2-5-3, Tsuchihashi-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Welcom Ritto | Shiga Toyopet | 7-3-17, Ohashi, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Takarazuka | Kobe Toyopet | 2-2-18, Kohama, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage CHAUPY Nara Tomigaoka | Nara Toyopet | 3F, 6-8-3, Nakatomigaoka, Nara City, Nara Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Kurashiki | Okayama Toyopet | 668, Nakashima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Yamaguchi CERUMO | Yamaguchi Toyopet | 3-12-15, Ishinkoen, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Sapporo Atsubetsudori | Toyota Corolla Sapporo | 3-1-10, Atsubetsunishi 5-jo, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo City | Open |
| GR Garage Mito Inter | Toyota Corolla Shin Ibaraki | 1532-1, Otsuka-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Utsunomiya Tsukuruma Kobo | Toyota Corolla Tochigi | 5-8-24, Yoto, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Toyota Motomachi | Toyota Corolla Chukyo | 3-1-2, Hirokute-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Nisshin Takenoyama | Toyota Corolla Nagoya | 1-101, Takenoyama, Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Suzuka Corolla Mie | Toyota Corolla Mie | 107, Suda, Yasuzuka-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Komyouike | Toyota Corolla Nankai/ Netz Toyota Nankai |
5-4-20, Fuseya-cho, Izumi City, Osaka-fu | Open |
| GR Garage Shunan INGING | Toyota Corolla Yamaguchi | 4-140-5, Nozomi-cho, Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture | February 2018 |
| GR Garage Fukuoka Airport | Toyota Corolla Fukuoka | 1-11-23, Itazuke, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Netz Sport Chiba | Netz Toyota Chiba | 70-1, Shinminato, Mihama-ku, Chiba City | Open |
| GR Garage Tokyo Wakabayashi | Netz Toyota Tokyo | 2F, 3-13-1, Wakabayashi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo | Open |
| GR Garage Tama T’s Factory | Netz Toyota Tama | 1-27-3, Musashinodai, Fussa City, Tokyo | February 2018 |
| GR Garage Toyama Shinjo | Netz Toyota Toyama | 3-3-33, Shinjohonmachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture | February 2018 |
| GR Garage Hakusan Inter | Netz Toyota Ishikawa | 4-100, Kuratsuki, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage midress Toyota | Netz Toyota Chubu | 7-18, Hosoya-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Toyota Nishikicho | Netz Toyota Higashi Nagoya | 2-57, Nishiki-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Minato Meishi | Netz Toyota Nagoya | 45, Chikumori-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya City | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Komaki | Netz Toyota Chukyo | 14, Iryo, Muranaka, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Yokkaichi | Netz Toyota Novel Mie | 3-18, Jushichiken-cho, Yotsukaichi City, Mie Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Nishinomiya | Netz Toyota Kobe | 2-12-2, Higashi-machi, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Kobe Tarumi | Netz Toyota Hyogo | 1464-3, Teraike, Myodani-cho, Tarumi-ku, Kobe City | Open |
| GR Garage Higashi Okayama | Netz Toyota Okayama | 136-1, Koshita, Naka-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture | Open |
| GR Garage Auto Mall Tokushima | Netz Toyota Tokushima | 5-1-300, Nakamaegawa-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture | March 2018 |
| GR Garage Matsuyama | Netz Toyota Ehime | 2-14-13, Kokudori, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture | Open |
14) Providing Venues for Car Fans
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing intends to promote initiatives aimed at increasing the number of venues and opportunities for car enthusiasts and motorsports fans to gather and share their dreams, hopes, and enthusiasm for cars.
(1) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival
This annual festival attracts a large number of car fans from racing cars to well-cared personal cars.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing plans to hold the festival again this year at Fuji Speedway on November 25.
(2) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PARK
With the goal of encouraging more people to become interested in cars, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will hold a variety of events aimed at people of all ages.
This year, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing intends to host events that are more intimately connected to local communities, and expand its activities aimed at creating car fans in every part of the country.
(3) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WOMAN
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WOMAN was established with the goal of enabling women to enjoy cars and motorsports.
Same as last year, the initiative aims to help women become more familiar with motorsports by actually “seeing” and “driving” cars, viewing motorsports and experiencing hands-on urban tours. The initiatives will be continued and expanded this year.
(4) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Exhibitions at Custom Car Shows in Japan
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing organizes displays at custom car shows in Japan, such as the annual Tokyo Auto Salon, which are held in January through February every year. These events enable Toyota to interact with car enthusiasts and incorporate feedback received from customers into product planning.