@tmgofficial • Toyota GAZOO Racing has finalized its team structure leading up to Toyota’s return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda will serve as team chairman while Tommi Mäkinen, a celebrated WRC veteran, will be offering his expertise as team principal. With comprehensive oversight from Mäkinen, who holds four drivers’ titles over his 18-year WRC career, the team will strengthen its vehicle development capabilities and work toward 2017.
“I first met Tommi in 2013. At that time he was my driving instructor, helping me improve my driving technique. In the end, he taught me a lot more. He showed me the appeal of rallying and the relationship between vehicle development and rallying,” said Toyoda.
“Tommi has abundant experience and fresh ideas for vehicle development, both of which will be valuable assets to us. After talking to Tommi, I felt “I want to work with him. I want him to help us make better cars.” That’s how I came to ask for his support with this project. With Tommi behind us, Toyota will forge ahead with our return to WRC and also our efforts to make ever-better cars.”
From: Toyota Motorsport GMBH