Toyota’s return to WRC likely – but not in 2015

Toyota has ruled out returning to the World Rally Championship in 2015 but says a return in the future is likely. President Akio Toyoda made a guest appearance on television channel J-Sport's Power Stage coverage during the Monte Carlo Rally, where he talked about Toyota coming back to the WRC for the first time since 1999.

"Toyota would like to come back to the WRC, but it is difficult to give a concrete timing to this," said Toyoda, who went on to encourage fans to let him know what they want.

"I said the same thing two years ago, but the distance is gradually getting closer.

"I would like to hear messages that fans want Toyota to challenge the WRC again.

"Then, the distance might be even closer. Personally I would like to see a Japanese manufacturer compete in the WRC again."

According to Autosport.com, representatives of Toyota were present on the Monte Carlo Rally and spoke to both the promoter and other manufacturers about the potential timescale for the Yaris WRC to arrive in the series.

It is understood former Subaru factory WRC driver, Stephane Sarrazin, will drive the Yaris WRC when it starts testing in March.

The car is being built by Toyota Motorsport GmbH - the Cologne-based racing division of the Japanese firm.

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