This was unique! WRC rivals joined forces – “We had an amazing time”

For a change, the Hyundai and Toyota rally teams were seen competing in a more relaxed setting.
Hyundai's chairman Euisun Chung and Toyota's chairman Akio Toyoda. Photo: Hyundai
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The major rivals of the World Rally Championship, Hyundai and Toyota, hosted a joint event over the weekend in Korea called the Hyundai N X Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival.

For Hyundai, organising such events is a longstanding tradition, as the Korean manufacturer has held similar festivals for decades. However, this was the first time they partnered with Japanese manufacturer Toyota.

At the event, Hyundai drivers Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo, and Andreas Mikkelsen had the chance to drive Toyota’s GR86, while Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta and team principal Jari-Matti Latvala got behind the wheel of Hyundai’s Avante N. Executives Hyundai Motor Group chairman Euisun Chung and Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda also took to the track.

Hyundai’s chairman Euisun Chung and Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda. Photo: Hyundai

“When I met with [Toyota Motor Corporation] chairman Akio Toyoda earlier this year, we discovered our mutual passion for racing, and I was delighted that we could hold this event,” said Euisun Chung.

“Chairman Toyoda is someone in the automotive industry that I respect deeply, and it’s an honor to be here with him today,” Chung continued.

Akio Toyoda was equally pleased to see the event come to fruition

“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting with executive chair Chung in Japan, where this wonderful idea took shape. And here we are, just 10 months later, making this incredible event a reality. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped bring this event to life,” Toyoda added.

Toyota’s GR Yaris in action on the track. Photo: Hyundai

The drivers also enjoyed the experience.

“What a great way for two rivals to come together and celebrate our passion for motorsport. We all had an amazing time,” Hyundai’s Andreas Mikkelsen shared on his Instagram account.

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