Rally Estonia: Toyota Gazoo Racing Prepares for High-Speed Challenge

In the lead-up to Rally Estonia, scheduled from July 17 to July 20, 2025, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) is gearing up for one of the most exhilarating segments of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season. This year’s event marks a notable transition from the challenging gravel rallies in Portugal, Sardinia, and Greece to the faster terrains of Estonia and Finland.

Rally Estonia is renowned for its wide, flowing roads interspersed with technical sections that challenge even the most seasoned drivers. Situated in Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, the rally will commence with a ceremonial start at the historic Town Hall Square, followed by a super special stage at the Estonian National Museum. The rally features a mix of stages designed to test drivers' skills, including narrow forest sections that may become heavily rutted by repeated passes.

Currently, TGR-WRT holds a commanding 65-point lead in the manufacturers' championship. Elfyn Evans, who leads the drivers’ standings, faces the challenge of clearing loose gravel after three difficult rallies. “We’re looking forward to a very different character of rally for the next two events,” Evans stated, emphasizing the need for a reliable car setup and favorable weather to enhance performance on the fast gravel roads.

Kalle Rovanperä, another key driver for TGR-WRT, expressed excitement about returning to a rally where he secured his first WRC victory. Rovanperä, who has had a successful season thus far, noted the importance of fine-tuning the car’s setup during a recent test in Estonia. “The pace on gravel so far this year hasn’t quite been where I’ve wanted it to be, so we had an important test to try and get fully up to speed,” he said.

The upcoming rally also marks the debut of Oliver Solberg in the GR YARIS Rally1, a significant step up from his previous performances in the WRC2 series. Solberg, the son of 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg, has been making waves in the support series with three wins this season. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and a dream come true for me to be able to do Rally Estonia in the GR YARIS Rally1,” he remarked, highlighting his goal of gaining experience and enjoying the rally.

Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala acknowledged the importance of adapting to the new tires specifically designed for high-speed gravel rallies, stating, “We know that we will need to be at our best if we want to win.” The team has conducted extensive testing to optimize their vehicles for the unique conditions expected in Estonia.

Rally Estonia promises to be a thrilling event not only for the drivers but also for rally enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of high-speed stages and the challenges posed by varying terrain will undoubtedly make this rally a pivotal moment in the 2025 WRC season. As the drivers prepare to tackle the demanding course, the outcome remains uncertain, with various competitors poised to challenge TGR-WRT’s dominance. The world will be watching as these elite athletes showcase their skills in one of the most exciting rallies of the year.