Four-time WRC world champion Juha Kankkunen, Toyota’s deputy team principal, will drive the latest hydrogen-powered rally car, the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept, at Rally Finland. The car, developed at Toyota WRC team’s headquarters in Jyvaskyla, is based on the GR Yaris Rally2, but with a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine. Toyota first showcased the technology at Ypres Rally Belgium in 2022, and since then, they have further developed the concept for its debut in Finland.
Toyota has heavily invested in hydrogen-powered race cars as a sustainable option for motorsport in a carbon-neutral society. They have been racing with hydrogen-powered cars since 2021 and are exploring the future of racing with alternative fuels at events like the Le Mans 24 Hours. The GR LH2, built in Cologne around a chassis from the GR010 Hybrid Le Mans Hypercar, remains a significant step in Toyota’s journey towards racing with hydrogen fuel.
In addition to the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept debut, Toyota will also field a standard GR Yaris Rally2 for Jari-Matti Latvala to race in his home event in Finland. Latvala expressed his excitement for the opportunity to compete in Rally Finland and provide feedback for the development of rally cars at TGR-WRT. This marks his 20th Rally Finland start and a special achievement in his rallying career.
