Toyoda, who serves as both the chairman of Toyota’s board and the president of its WRC team, was instrumental in Toyota’s return to the WRC in 2017.
In recent years, Toyota has dominated Hyundai in the WRC championship battles. However, this past season, the tables turned, and Toyota found itself as the underdog. Hyundai had already secured the drivers’ title before the final round, held in November in Japan.
In the tarmac rally hosted in Toyota’s home country, the teams went head-to-head for the manufacturers’ championship. The title was ultimately decided on the Power Stage of the final rally, with Toyota narrowly clinching victory by a margin of three points.
Both teams had cause for celebration, as Thierry Neuville claimed his first-ever drivers’ world championship, marking a historic milestone for Hyundai.
The rivalry between Toyota and Hyundai has been intense, with occasional heated exchanges. However, mutual respect between the teams is also evident, as reflected in Akio Toyoda’s message to Hyundai.
“Thierry, Martijn (Wydaeghe), and everyone at Hyundai, congratulations on winning the drivers’ and co-drivers ‘championship titles,” Toyoda began.
“WRC 2024 became really exciting as we were able to fight against each other until the final round, the final day and the final stage. I believe it is significant for us as Asian car manufacturers to show fans the sound and smell of the rally cars on the roads of East Asia.”
It’s expected that the fierce battle between Toyota and Hyundai drivers will continue into the 2025 season.
“Let’s continue to boost motorsports in Asia together, and let’s have a good fight again next year,” Toyoda said.
The upcoming WRC season kicks off in late January with the Rally Monte Carlo.
