As the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season progresses, the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) gears up to tackle the demanding asphalt roads of the Croatia Rally, scheduled to take place from April 18 to 21. With a lineup featuring the formidable 2024 GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID, TGR-WRT aims to continue its legacy of success on Croatian soil, having clinched victory in the past three editions of the event.
Having emerged victorious in the Safari Rally Kenya, TGR-WRT currently leads the manufacturers’ championship by four points, with Elfyn Evans leading the team’s charge in the drivers’ championship, just six points shy of the leader. The team’s lineup for the Croatia Rally includes seasoned drivers Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta, each poised to navigate the challenging terrain with skill and precision.
The Croatia Rally, based in the capital city of Zagreb, features stages across the northern region of the country, characterized by a diverse array of asphalt types. Grip levels vary continuously, further complicated by factors such as rain and mud, making it a formidable test of drivers’ capabilities. The rally itinerary includes a mix of technical, twisting sections and fast, flowing stages with jumps and crests, promising an exhilarating spectacle for fans.
The event kicks off with a shakedown and ceremonial start on Thursday, followed by the longest day of the rally on Friday, featuring four stages leading south-west from Zagreb towards the coastal city of Rijeka. Saturday follows a more typical format, with a loop of four stages to the west and south of Zagreb, while Sunday’s finale takes place to the north of Zagreb, culminating in the rally-ending Power Stage at Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec.
In addition to the flagship GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID, four GR Yaris Rally2 cars are entered in the Croatia Rally, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to performance across multiple categories. With drivers such as Sami Pajari, Georg Linnamäe, Yuki Yamamoto, and Hikaru Kogure, Toyota Gazoo Racing demonstrates its dedication to nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of rally excellence.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Team Principal of TGR-WRT, expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities and emphasized the importance of providing drivers with confidence in the car’s performance. As the team prepares to tackle the unique challenges of the Croatia Rally, drivers such as Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, and Takamoto Katsuta are eager to showcase their skills and vie for victory in one of the most anticipated events on the WRC calendar
