When did Toyota leave the WRC?
The World Rally Championship (WRC) has seen many iconic manufacturers come and go over the years, and Toyota is no exception. Known for their engineering prowess and competitive spirit, Toyota's involvement in the WRC has been a significant chapter in motorsport history. In this article, we’ll explore when Toyota left the WRC and the reasons behind their departure.
Toyota's Departure from the WRC
Toyota officially withdrew from the World Rally Championship at the end of the 1999 season. This decision marked the conclusion of a highly successful era for the Japanese automaker in rallying. Toyota had been a dominant force in the WRC during the 1990s, securing multiple championships and earning a reputation for reliability and performance.
Reasons Behind Toyota's Exit
Several factors contributed to Toyota's decision to leave the WRC in 1999. These included:
- Shifting Priorities: Toyota decided to focus its resources on Formula One, a move that required significant financial and technical investment.
- Regulatory Challenges: The WRC was undergoing changes in regulations, and Toyota may have assessed that adapting to these changes would not align with their strategic goals at the time.
- Cost Considerations: Rallying is an expensive sport, and Toyota likely evaluated the cost-benefit ratio of continuing in the WRC versus pursuing other motorsport ventures.
Ultimately, Toyota's departure was a strategic decision aimed at reallocating resources to other areas of motorsport and business development.
Toyota's Legacy in the WRC
Despite their exit in 1999, Toyota left an indelible mark on the WRC. Their cars, such as the Toyota Celica GT-Four and the Corolla WRC, achieved numerous victories and championships. Toyota's commitment to innovation and performance during their time in the WRC set a high standard for other manufacturers.
Return to the WRC
After a long hiatus, Toyota made a triumphant return to the WRC in 2017 with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. Their comeback has been marked by continued success, including drivers' and manufacturers' championships, proving that Toyota remains a powerhouse in the world of rallying.
Toyota's journey in the WRC is a testament to their dedication to motorsport and their ability to adapt and excel in different racing disciplines. While their departure in 1999 was a significant moment, their return has only added to their storied legacy in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is VW no longer in WRC?
The move away from the WRC is apparently to allow Volkswagen to focus on “new technologies and customer sport”. “Of course, we regret the departure from the WRC very much,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. “This was the most successful chapter in the Volkswagen brand's motorsport history.
When did Mitsubishi quit the WRC?
Mitsubishi Motors withdrew from the WRC after the 2005 season and from the Dakar Rally after 2009, then returned to the world of competitive auto racing in 2012.
When did Toyota get banned from WRC?
1995
During the 1995 World Rally Championship season, Toyota was caught using illegal turbo restrictor bypasses at the Rally Catalunya and were given a one-year ban by the FIA.
Why is Honda no longer in F1?
In October 2020, Honda announced they would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season, citing their need to focus resources on next-generation road vehicle technologies to make necessary strides towards carbon neutrality.
Why did Toyota leave the F1?
Ultimately it was down to management problems. Toyota Japan wanted control of the F1 team, and would not allow team managers in Germany to make the big decision without their input. This meant that by the time critical decisions were made, it was too late.
Why was Subaru banned from WRC?
The team withdrew from WRC competition at the end of the 2008 season due to widespread economic downturn.
Why is Subaru no longer in WRC?
Subaru pulled out of the WRC back in 2008 because of the global financial crisis, after decades of competing and bagging multiple championships.
When did Toyota start racing in NASCAR?
In 2007 when Japanese manufacturer Toyota joined, it became the first new manufacturer since 1971. Chrysler's Dodge brand returned after a 15-year hiatus in 2001, but departed after 2012, leaving just Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.
When did Toyota leave IndyCar?
Toyota still remained in the IndyCar Series as only a title sponsor for the Long Beach Grand Prix from 2009 until 2018 until it was replaced by Acura as official title sponsor of Long Beach Grand Prix from 2019 onwards.
Will Toyota rejoin the F1?
Saajan Jogia | Jan 11, 2025. Toyota Gazoo Racing's director of global motorsport, Masaya Kaji has confirmed that the automaker could return to Formula 1 in the future and it is "gradually moving in that direction.” Toyota parted ways with the premier class of motorsport after eight seasons in 2009.
