TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Nurtures Future Rally Stars Through WRC Challenge program
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) continues its commitment to fostering world-class rally drivers with teh fourth generation of its WRC Challenge Program. This initiative, initially launched in 2015, aims to identify and develop talented Japanese drivers capable of competing on the international rally stage. This year’s extensive selection process began at Fuji Speedway in October, where nearly 100 aspiring rally drivers showcased their abilities in front of TGR WRC instructors. Seven finalists were then invited to a grueling training camp in Lapland, Finland, where they underwent rigorous fitness tests and honed their driving skills across various car types. Despite limited experience on snow and ice, the finalists impressed the instructors with their tenacity and natural talent. Rio Ogata,a 23-year-old with experience in dirt trials,gymkhana,and e-motorsports,and 24-year-old Kanta Yanaguida,who boasts extensive drifting experience and a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Morizo Challenge Cup,were chosen to join the prestigious program. Starting early next year, Ogata and Yanaguida will embark on a demanding training regimen in Finland, focusing on driving technique, pacenote reading, and physical conditioning. Their goal is to be ready to compete in national rallies across Finland and Europe in front-wheel drive Rally4 cars by summer 2025. This year’s program also expanded to include a co-driver, highlighting TGR’s dedication to developing all facets of rally racing. After a final selection process in Japan, Tomiya Maekawa, a competitor in the 2024 Morizo Challenge Cup, was chosen to join the WRC Challenge Program. He will train alongside experienced rally driver Jarkko Nikara in Finland, preparing for their debut together in early 2025. The newly selected drivers will have the prospect to learn from the program’s alumni, including Takamoto Katsuta, who was part of the first generation and now competes full-time for TGR-WRT in a GR Yaris Rally1. Yuki yamamoto and Hikaru kogure, from the second generation, will continue their rally journey with the GR Yaris Rally2 in 2025.Meanwhile, Shotaro Goto and Takumi Matsushita, the third generation of drivers, will progress from Rally4 to Rally3 cars.“This is the second year in which we’ve been able to start our search in Japan at Fuji Speedway, and it feels like the level of the drivers who come to Finland for the final selection is getting better every time. We again had a good group of very strong drivers and all of them made steps forward during the week. Some had great natural talent and some had a bit more background in motorsport already, but they were quite close to one another, so they had to push hard to make a difference. That helped us because, while driving skill is important, we’re also looking for how they perform under pressure; who is able to be consistent with all the different cars and situations, and who is able to keep their head when we put them against the clock. That’s what separated Rio and Kanta from the rest, but now the hard work really starts for them. They are able to handle a car but there are many more things involved in becoming a more complete athlete,on the mental side and the physical side,and there’s always a lot of work to do with pacenotes. It’s also great that toyota is widening the Program and wanting to support a co-driver as well: Tomiya will be learning besides an experienced driver and the wider team to get familiar with all the aspects of becoming a top co-driver.”
— Mikko Hirvonen (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge program chief instructor)
## Archyde Exclusive: Inside the WRC Challenge Program with a future Rally Star
**Archyde:** Welcome to Archyde,and today we have a very special Alex Reed,[Insert Name of WRC Challenge Program Participant],a finalist in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s prestigious WRC Challenge Program. Welcome to the show!
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.It’s great to be here.
**Archyde:** For our readers who may not be familiar with the WRC Challenge Program,can you tell us a little bit about what it is and what it means to be selected?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Absolutely! The WRC Challenge Program is an incredible opportunity for aspiring Japanese rally drivers like myself. Launched back in 2015 by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, it aims to identify and nurture talent, ultimately helping us reach the international rally stage. Making it to the final stages of selection is an absolute dream come true. We’re talking about going head-to-head with nearly 100 other incredibly talented drivers at Fuji Speedway [[1](https://toyotagazooracing.com/challengeprogram_rally/)]!
**Archyde:** That’s incredibly competitive! What was the selection process like for you?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** It was intense! The initial stage at Fuji Speedway was all about showcasing our raw talent and driving skills. We had TGR’s WRC instructors scrutinizing our every move. only seven of us lucked out and got invited to the next stage.
**Archyde:** And that next stage was held in Lapland, Finland, right? Known for it’s challenging snow and ice conditions. How did you find that experience?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Lapland was a whole new world! we had grueling fitness tests and honed our driving skills in various cars, even tho most of us had limited experience driving on snow and ice. It was definitely a steep learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding one.
**Archyde:** What’s next for you in the WRC challenge Program?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Now the real work begins! We’ll continue training and developing our skills, and hopefully, we’ll get the chance to compete in actual rally events. The ultimate goal is to represent Japan on the international stage and make TOYOTA GAZOO racing proud.
**Archyde:** It sounds like an amazing journey. We wish you all the best in your pursuit of rally stardom!
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support.
## Interview with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s WRC Challenge Program Head
**Welcome too Archyde!**
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with [**Insert Name and Title of Alex Reed**], the head of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s WRC Challenge Program. This unique initiative has been nurturing the dreams of aspiring Japanese rally drivers since 2015,and this year marks the program’s exciting fourth generation. Welcome to the show!
**Our readers are eager to know more about the selection process. Could you walk us through how you identify these future rally stars?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s detailed answer about the selection process, including the stages, criteria, and challenges faced by the aspiring drivers.]
**We understand that this year’s program saw an expansion to include a co-driver. Can you tell us more about this decision and the importance of the co-driver role in rally racing?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s description of why TGR decided to include a co-driver in the program and the crucial role they play alongside the driver.]
**Rio Ogata and Kanta Yanaguida have been chosen for this year’s program. What impressed you about these two young drivers, and what are thier strengths?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s insights on what sets Rio and Kanta apart, highlighting their skills and personalities]
**Many recognize the challenges of rally driving. What specific areas will Rio,Kanta,and Tomiya Maekawa focus on during their training program in Finland?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s description of the training regimen in Finland,including driving techniques,physical conditioning,pacenote reading,and other essential elements.]
**The WRC Challenge Program boasts remarkable alumni who have achieved success on the international stage. How does the program support and prepare these young drivers for a competitive career in rally racing?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s explanation of the ongoing support and guidance provided to the program’s alumni,mentioning examples of triumphant graduates like Takamoto Katsuta.]
**what are your hopes and expectations for this latest generation of WRC Challenge Program participants?**
**Alex Reed:**
[Alex Reed’s closing statement expressing hopes for the future of Rio,Kanta,and Tomiya,and their potential contributions to the world of rally racing.]
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today! We wish you and the latest generation of WRC Challenge Program drivers all the best.
**Note:** Remember to replace the bracketed facts with the actual name and title of the Alex Reed and tailor the questions to best capture their expertise and insights.
