Toyota launched its Rally2-spec car at the beginning of last year, designed for competition in categories such as WRC2 in the World Rally Championship, the top class of the European Rally Championship, and most national rally series.
The manufacturer builds around one car per week. Once completed, the cars are immediately shipped to customers. Demand has remained high, and according to reports, delivery times have become lengthy.
Part of the reason for the demand is that the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 proved its performance immediately in its debut season. Toyota driver Sami Pajari went on to win the WRC2 title at the end of last year.
Toyota has attracted more customers targeting success in WRC2. For example, both the Monte Carlo and Sweden WRC rounds earlier this season featured seven Toyota Rally2 crews each.
Now, Toyota has secured another high-profile customer in the WRC. Last year’s European Rally Championship runner-up, Mathieu Franceschi, has confirmed he will begin his first WRC2 campaign at the wheel of a Toyota.
Franceschi, 25, won the French gravel championship in 2022. Last year, he made his international breakthrough in the ERC, scoring three podium finishes during the season.
Franceschi will make his WRC2 debut at the Rally Islas Canarias at the end of April. He is already familiar with the event, having claimed second place in last year’s ERC round on the island, driving a Škoda.
This time, however, the Frenchman will step up to the World Championship behind the wheel of a Toyota.
“Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of rallying – of speed, adrenaline, and pure competition. It always seemed out of reach… until now,” Franceschi shared in his announcement.
“After ten years of sacrifices, hard work, and incredible encounters, that dream is becoming reality: I’m stepping into WRC2 behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Rally2.”
“Nothing was guaranteed. No shortcuts – just one belief: when you truly believe and surround yourself with the right people, nothing is impossible.”
Franceschi will announce the other rallies in his WRC2 programme at a later date.
Toyota driver Oliver Solberg currently leads the WRC2 standings heading into the Canary Islands round. He claimed an impressive win in Sweden and finished fifth at Safari Rally Kenya last weekend.
WRC2 drivers are allowed to contest up to seven scoring rounds during the season.
