Toyota Racing GmbH (TRG), an automotive engineering and motorsport services facility based in Cologne, Germany, has been at the forefront of Toyota's global motorsport efforts for decades. Operating under various names throughout its history, including Andersson Motorsport, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG), and Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe GmbH (TGR-E), this entity has navigated the complex world of competitive racing, transitioning between disciplines
and consistently aiming for top honors. Its journey illustrates Toyota's strategic approach to motorsport, leveraging it for technical development and brand promotion across the globe.
Early Days in Rallying and the World Rally Championship
The foundation of Toyota's motorsport involvement, particularly in rallying, can be traced back to Andersson Motorsport. This organization, which later became Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG), was instrumental in running the Toyota Team Europe (TTE) entries in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Toyota's commitment to rallying was significant, establishing a strong presence in the championship. However, in 1999, the Japanese manufacturer made a pivotal decision to withdraw from rallying. This move was not a retreat from motorsport but rather a strategic reorientation, as the company aimed to prepare for a major entry into Formula 1.
The Formula 1 Chapter: Panasonic Toyota Racing
From 2002 to 2009, Toyota Racing, under the banner of Panasonic Toyota Racing, participated in Formula 1. This period saw the team compete in 139 Grands Prix, achieving 13 podium finishes and three pole positions, accumulating a total of 278.5 points. Beyond its own team, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) also supplied its F1 engines to other teams, including Jordan Grand Prix in 2005 (which later became Midland F1 Racing) and Williams F1 Team from 2007 to 2009. This F1 endeavor represented a significant investment and a high-profile presence in one of the world's most prestigious racing series. However, on November 4, 2009, Toyota announced its departure from Formula 1, concluding this chapter of its motorsport history.
Return to Endurance and Rallying: Current Engagements
After its Formula 1 tenure, Toyota Racing GmbH re-engaged with other major motorsport championships. In 2012, it made a full return to sports car competition, entering the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Toyota TS030 Hybrid. This marked a renewed focus on endurance racing, a discipline where Toyota has since achieved considerable success. The organization has been a six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (from 2018 to 2022 and in 2026) and a five-time Constructors' World Champion in the LMP1 and Le Mans Hypercar classes, competing under the names Toyota Gazoo Racing and Toyota Racing.
Simultaneously, Toyota also announced its return to the World Rally Championship in 2017. While Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) initially developed the Yaris WRC car, the WRC program is now managed from a satellite facility in Jyväskylä, Finland, known as Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT. This facility oversees Toyota's competitive entries in the WRC, where the manufacturer continues to be a strong contender. In January 2026, Toyota announced a rebranding, with Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) reverting to Toyota Racing, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe GmbH (TGR-E) also being renamed Toyota Racing, a process to be completed by January 2027. This ongoing evolution underscores Toyota Racing GmbH's dynamic role in managing Toyota's diverse and successful motorsport programs across the FIA WEC and WRC, with a future return to F1 as a technical partner also announced for 2026.
