Toyota returned to the WRC in the 2017 season, and for the past four years, the drivers' championship has not been relinquished to anyone. The Japanese manufacturer continues to invest more in the series and most recently established a new vehicle development department in Jyvaskyla, Finland.
Speaking at the opening of the department, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda confirmed that they want to stay in the WRC for the long term and said that he wants more manufacturers to join the series.
Only three manufacturers have appeared in the lineup for the past four years: Toyota, Hyundai and Ford.
“You can see our new department as a testament to Toyota's commitment to the WRC,” Toyoda told DirtFish. said.
“We are back in the WRC after a 17-year hiatus under my presidency.”
“There are two reasons why we are back: first, to use this experience to make better tools, and secondly, to expand our human resources and gain experience for our employees.”
“If we lose these two reasons, we lose our reason for being as a company. So we will remain in the WRC for the long term.”
“But when we look at the series, we only see three manufacturers, I want even more. That's why I invite people to join the series using every opportunity I get." said.
Toyoda's statements are promising for the future of the WRC. Toyota's investments in the series may encourage other manufacturers to join the series. This could make the WRC more competitive and exciting.
