Toyota Gazoo Racing has started the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship season in dominant fashion, but the team remains cautious despite its early success. After securing back-to-back one-two finishes at Rallye Monte-Carlo and Rally Sweden, Toyota has quickly established itself as the team to beat in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings. However, the leadership within the team knows that challenges lie ahead.
The team’s principal, Tom Fowler, has emphasized the need for perspective, pointing out that the season is far from over. While Toyota’s performances in the first two rounds have been impressive, Fowler remains focused on the long road ahead. He acknowledges the team’s achievement but is careful not to get carried away. “It’s two rallies out of 14. We’re not going to get carried away. We’re going to be looking forward to the next rally,” he stated.
One of the key reasons for Toyota’s cautious approach is the unpredictable nature of the WRC season. Each rally presents unique challenges, with varying terrains and weather conditions that can significantly impact performance. The team’s early success has been promising, but the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya will be the next true test of its adaptability and resilience.
Monte-Carlo, the season opener, is always an unpredictable event due to its constantly changing conditions. Snow, ice, and dry asphalt can all appear within a single stage, making tire choice and strategy incredibly difficult. Toyota’s ability to navigate these challenges and secure a strong result was a relief for the team. Sweden, on the other hand, is a more straightforward winter rally, where set-ups for high-speed driving on snow and ice are more familiar. Fowler acknowledged that while Sweden went well, the real test will come in the upcoming rounds.
The Safari Rally Kenya, known for its punishing terrain and extreme conditions, is considered one of the toughest rallies on the calendar. Since its return to the WRC in 2021, Toyota has enjoyed remarkable success in Kenya, winning all four editions and even securing two complete podium lockouts. However, despite this track record, Fowler remains cautious, knowing that the event is always unpredictable. The Safari Rally is notorious for throwing up surprises, with deep ruts, rocky sections, and unpredictable weather making it a true endurance challenge.
While Toyota currently holds the upper hand, its rivals are working hard to close the gap. Hyundai and M-Sport Ford have shown flashes of competitiveness, and they are determined to fight back as the season progresses. M-Sport’s Grégoire Munster, who faced difficulties in Sweden, believes the lessons learned there will be valuable in Kenya. “It wasn’t the easiest weekend, but the team worked hard, and I think we can use what we learned to be stronger in the next round,” he noted.
Toyota’s strong start does not guarantee success in the long run. With 12 rallies still to go, anything can happen in the unpredictable world of rallying. Fowler’s pragmatic approach highlights the reality of the championship momentum can shift at any moment, and teams must be prepared for every possible scenario.
The 2025 WRC season is shaping up to be a thrilling battle, and while Toyota has set the early pace, the fight for the title is far from over.
