
In a captivating progression within the world of rallying, Toyota’s WRC Challenge Programme is set to witness the rise of two promising talents, Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto. These young Japanese drivers have earned their passage to the prestigious Rally2 class for the upcoming 2024 season, marking a significant step forward in their developmental journey.
Initiated in 2022, the second generation of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program aimed to cultivate talent that could potentially ascend to the pinnacle of rallying. Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto, having undergone rigorous training and showcased their skills in two-wheel drive Rally4 cars, have now earned the opportunity to navigate the four-wheel drive Rally2 cars – a pivotal step just below the esteemed Rally1 category.
The journey began with three promising Japanese drivers training in Finland, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of the program’s trailblazer, Takamoto Katsuta. Over the past two seasons, Kogure and Yamamoto have not only honed their craft but also impressed the TGR-WRT instructors with their remarkable performances in national and international rallies across Europe.
For Kogure and Yamamoto, the Rally2 class beckons in 2024, offering them a platform to compete in selected rallies across Europe, including prestigious WRC events. Nao Otake, the third member of the initial trio, will continue his development in the Japanese Rally Championship, showcasing his skills in a newly introduced JRC category in 2024.
Hikaru Kogure expresses his gratitude, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faced initially and the tremendous progress made, particularly in recent rallies in Poland, Latvia, and Finland. Yuki Yamamoto, honored to continue in the program, reflects on the invaluable experience gained over the past two years, ready to embrace the challenges of the competitive Rally2 category.
Nao Otake, while unable to continue in Europe, remains appreciative of the program’s impact on his personal and professional growth, vowing to showcase his speed and lessons learned in the Japanese Rally Championship.
Mikko Hirvonen, the chief instructor of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program, commends the progress of all three drivers. Acknowledging the difficult decision in selecting only two for the European continuation, Hirvonen expresses confidence in the chosen duo, emphasizing the heightened competition and pace they will face in the Rally2 class.
As the program enters its next phase, the recruitment of a new batch of young drivers is underway, with the final selection set to take place in Finland in December. The future of rallying, shaped by the meticulous nurturing of talents, continues to unfold in the realm of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s