Toyota to test its hydrogen GR Yaris at Rally Finland

Toyota Gazoo Racing will bring the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept to Rally Finland. The prototype uses an internal combustion engine powered by compressed hydrogen and produces near-zero emissions.

Juha Kankkunen, four-time world champion and current vice-president of TGR-WRT, will drive the vehicle in the Harju stage in downtown Jyväskylä. The demonstration will take place both during Thursday night's opening stage and Friday's SS10.

Photo By TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Development in Jyväskylä with local testing

The GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept was developed at TGR-WRT's facilities in Jyväskylä, where testing was conducted on local roads. The evaluations included sections on gravel forest roads similar to those used in Rally Finland.

The base chassis corresponds to the successful GR Yaris Rally2, modified to integrate the hydrogen system. The configuration maintains the sounds and sensations of traditional rally while dramatically reducing emissions.

Background of the hydrogen program in motorsport

Toyota began developing hydrogen combustion engines for competition in 2021 with a modified Corolla in Japan's Super Taikyu series. Jari-Matti Latvala, team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team, participated as a test driver and provided feedback for development.

In 2022, the technology reached European stages for the first time when the experimental GR Yaris H2 debuted at the FIA World Rally Championship's Rally Belgium. Akio Toyoda and Juha Kankkunen were the drivers in that initial demonstration.

Photo By TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Parallel program at Le Mans

Toyota's hydrogen program expanded to other racing formats. During this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the brand showcased the GR LH2 Racing Concept, which uses liquid hydrogen instead of the compressed version used in rally. This prototype is based on the current WEC GR010 HYBRID chassis.

Kazuki Nakajima, president of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, explained that the goal is to "test the car, test not only the combustion engine but learn much about the infrastructure and fuel system." The hydrogen engine development takes place at the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan, while the chassis is built in Cologne.

Complete showcase of hydrogen technology

Photo By TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

During Rally Finland, the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept will be displayed in the service park alongside other hydrogen vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Tundra. The display is part of a broader showcase of hydrogen technology in Jyväskylä.

The GR LH2 Racing Concept measures 5100mm long and 2050mm wide, combining the hydrogen engine with a hybrid system. Nakajima didn't set specific dates for testing: "I can't define exactly when; I can only say it's not far away."