As the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival hit fever-pitch early this week, it was only fitting that Akio Toyoda took the centerstage, roaring in a Toyota GR Yaris WRC Rally1 spec car.
In this generation, one would be hard-pressed to name other high-profile executive getting down and dirty — and having fun.
But that’s what the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation just did. Reminding everyone that once upon a time he raced and triumphed under his pseudonym “Master Driver Morizo.”
From L-R: Norihiko Katsuta – 9-time Japan Rally champion and TGR driver; Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo) – Chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation; Alfred Ty – Chairman, Toyota Motor Philippines; Takamoto Katsuta – TGR WRC driver
PHOTO: Ian Magbanua
Marking Toyota Motor Philippines’ 35th anniversary, held 23 to 24 August at the Quirino Grandstand, the festival was not just a showcase of speed and engineering but a thrilling experience that vowed to wow every attendee.
Morizo’s presence was electrifying, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats, screaming at the top of their lungs, as he performed donuts with aplomb. He would later join the Gymkhana challenge with the Toyota GR86.
Driven by Morizo, the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 spec World Rally Championship car is at the pinnacle of rally racing technology.
PHOTO: Ian Magbanua
The roar of the engines, the screech of the tires, and Morizo’s precise control over the machines created an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. His genuine passion for motorsports and his ability to connect with fellow enthusiasts added a personal touch to the event, making it a memorable experience for all present.
Joining Morizo were accomplished Gazoo Racing drivers Norihiko Katsuta and Masahiro Sasaki. Katsuta, a 9-time All-Japan Rally champion, has a rich history in motorsports, having competed in various international rallies.
The D1 Toyota GR Corolla is a heavily modified, rear-wheel drive, 2JZ-powered drift beast.
PHOTO: Ian Magbanua
His experience and skill were evident as he maneuvered the track with aggression and skill (at times with half his body outside the car), adding professional flair to the event.
Sasaki, on the other hand, has extensive GT3 racing experience, notably in Germany’s VLN Nurburgring Endurance Series. His international exposure and expertise in endurance racing brought a unique dimension to the festival, showcasing the diversity and depth of Toyota’s racing heritage.
Morizo delighted everyone when, after having said his goodbyes to catch a flight back to Japan, jumped back into the seat of a GR86 to join the Gymkhana.
PHOTO: Ian Magbanua
Toyota’s commitment to engineering excellence was evident in the lineup of Gazoo Racing performance vehicles. The GR Yaris WRC Rally1 spec car, the 2JZ powered GR Corolla D1 drift car, the GR Supra, the GR86, and the GR Yaris were not just static displays but active participants in the festival.
Gazoo Racing also brought out the GR Yaris Group N/prototype that served as the development mule for the production model.
The festival also served as a platform for Toyota Philippines to showcase its new IMV-0 (Zero) concept car, set to inherit the Toyota Tamaraw nameplate. Other models on display included the Toyota Fortuner GR-S, the new Toyota Zenix, and other GR-Sport-related vehicles.
Merchandise for fans and musical performances by local artists such as Ely Buendia, Ben & Ben, Kamikazee and Parokya ni Edgar added to the festive atmosphere.
