Toyota Gazoo Racing Rebrands to Evolve Car Innovation and Talent Development
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has undergone a major transformation to strengthen its commitment to automotive innovation and talent development. This rebranding comes as TGR transitions from its origins as “Team GAZOO” to a unified identity that embodies the full spectrum of Toyota’s motorsports activities.
History of TGR and its Evolution
The roots of GAZOO Racing date back to 2007 when Akio Toyoda, then an executive vice president, participated in the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Competing alongside mentor Hiromu Naruse and other team members, they could not use the Toyota name due to company regulations. They raced as “Team GAZOO” while Toyoda raced under the pseudonym “Morizo.”
This experience was marked by a sense of humiliation. Toyota was lagging behind competitors, many of whom were testing advanced vehicles. Toyoda felt the sting of rivalry, fueling his determination to enhance Toyota’s engineering prowess.
Shikinen Sengu: A Tradition of Rebirth
Inspired by Japan’s practice at Ise Shrine, where structures are rebuilt every 20 years, Toyoda emphasized the need for revitalization in automotive manufacturing. This tradition reflects the importance of transferring skills and knowledge. To combat the fear of losing its sports car legacy, Toyoda pushed for the development of the Lexus LFA, which launched in 2010. The LFA was Toyota’s first in-house sports car in two decades.
- LFA Launch: 2010
- Significant Project Challenges: Limited internal support and a cap of 500 units for sales.
The LFA’s rollout was overshadowed by tragedy, as Naruse passed away shortly before its launch. Toyoda’s resolve remained intact, leading to subsequent sports car developments, including the notable 86 in 2012 and the GR Supra in 2019. However, these models were developed in collaboration with Subaru and BMW, limiting Toyota’s complete in-house production capabilities.
Establishment of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
In April 2015, Toyota transformed its motorsports framework by consolidating various initiatives under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing banner. This step allowed them to officially incorporate Toyota’s name into their racing endeavors. Although the rebranding alleviated some earlier humiliations, it was the commitment to excellence and skill development that truly drove the team forward.
Return to the World Rally Championship
As president, Toyoda made a strategic decision to re-enter the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This marked a shift in Toyota’s approach to motorsports, redirecting efforts to develop a winning car first, which would then transition into a production vehicle. This strategy led to the GR Yaris, launched in 2020, which became a symbol of Toyota’s renewed focus on performance.
- GR Yaris Launch: 2020
- First Race Victory: Super Taikyu Series 24-hour race, September 2020
The success of the GR Yaris paved the way for other models, including the GR Corolla. In 2025, Toyota made its triumphant return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours race with a GR Yaris, reinvigorating the legacy of its master drivers and honoring past traditions.
Future Initiatives and Developments
Looking forward, TGR intends to uphold its mission of developing exceptional motorsports vehicles and nurturing talent within the industry. In 2025, it plans to unroll new models like the GR GT, GR GT3, and LFA Concept, reinforcing its dedication to automotive excellence.
The rebranding will culminate by January 2027, transitioning all its teams under the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing identity, including TGRR (TOYOTA GAZOO ROOKIE Racing) that aims to train the next generation of motorsport talents.
TGR remains committed to the ongoing pursuit of superior automotive development, as it expresses gratitude to its partners and fans worldwide for their enduring support in this 20-year journey.
