Toyota Dominates Rally Finland with 1-2-3-4-5 Complete Victory
Toyota Gazoo Racing dominated the WRC Secto Rally Finland, securing an astounding five-star finish on one of the championship’s fastest rallies. This achievement highlights exceptional driving, seamless teamwork by the TGR-WRT, and valuable contributions from long-time partner DENSO.
From Engineering to Podium: Triumph in Finland
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Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen
Kalle Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen achieved their first win at Rally Finland, leading from the opening stage and setting a new FIA World Rally Championship benchmark with a winning average speed of 129.9 km/h, the fastest in WRC history.
Takamoto Katsuta secured second place with co-driver Aaron Johnston, with Sébastien Ogier third, and Elfyn Evans fourth, a result that also returned Evans to the lead of the drivers’ championship.
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Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston
Sami Pajari finished fifth overall, contributing to a Toyota lockout of the top five positions. This marks only the second time in WRC history that a manufacturer has filled all top five places at a rally, and the first since Lancia in Portugal in 1990.
In the WRC2 category, Roope Korhonen won his first race with Anssi Viinikka and Rautio Motorsport, finishing just 1.1 seconds ahead of Jari-Matti Latvala and Janni Hussi. While TGR WRC Challenge Program driver Yuki Yamamoto also performed strongly, securing his best result and sharing a stage win with Latvala.
Driven by Collaboration
Motorsports demand a car that excels in top speed, handling accuracy, and heat resistance. With a little room for error, proper cooling is crucial for optimal performance.
DENSO’s advanced radiator systems, developed in close collaboration with TGR-WRT, play a key role in maintaining stable engine temperatures in challenging conditions. This level of reliability has enabled drivers to enhance their capabilities, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success.
The Debut of the Hydrogen Rally2 Car
Alongside the on-stage action, Rally Finland also offered fans a glimpse into the future of motorsports in a carbon-neutral era.
Developed at the TGR-WRT headquarters in Jyväskylä, Finland, the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 has undergone local road tests, including the challenging gravel stages of Rally Finland. During this year’s event, the car was on display in the service park, highlighting Toyota’s commitment to innovation.
Toyota's hydrogen journey began back in 2021 with the introduction of a hydrogen-powered Corolla competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu Race Series.
DENSO has played a crucial role in this initiative, leveraging its decades of experience in fuel injection technology to support Toyota's development of hydrogen engines. This support includes the creation and supply of injectors, spark plugs, and electronic control units (ECUs).
As the world moves toward net-zero emissions, hydrogen is emerging as a vital energy solution. With its deep expertise in automotive technology, DENSO is at the forefront of innovation in hydrogen production and utilization, working diligently to reduce carbon emissions and foster a sustainable, energy-recycling society.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward following the record-setting conclusion of Rally Finland, excitement is building for what’s next in the WRC season. This success speaks volumes, highlighting how Toyota and DENSO are pushing the limits of what’s possible by developing new technologies, enhancing vehicle performance, and ultimately bringing race-proven innovations to the road.
With DENSO’s commitment to continuous innovation, the team eagerly anticipates the thrilling developments and advancements that will occur both on the track and in the future.