RACE AND RALLY ACTION FOR TMG CUSTOMERS IN 2016

Vrijdag 19 februari 2016 — TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has finalised its plans for customer racing in 2016, with the TOYOTA GT86 taking centre stage on the track and on the stages as part of a revised plan.

The well-established TMG GT86 Cup will continue for a fourth season within the VLN series at the Nürburgring, with an updated car under development.

Outside of Europe, the TRD 86 Cup in the United Arab Emirates, organised by Yas Marina Circuit, features a field of identical GT86 CS-V3 cars from TMG and is currently at the beginning of its second season of races in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

In rallying, the recently-homologated GT86 CS-R3 will prove its credentials in various national championships as part of a TMG scheme to promote the car in key markets following the cancellation of the HJS R3 Trophy.

With that CS-R3 showcase unfortunately not getting off the ground, despite commendable efforts by organiser HJS, TMG has acted quickly to find a solution.

Several CS-R3 cars will be built up in Cologne and offered to private rally drivers around Europe via an attractive rate, emphasising TMG’s commitment to grassroots motorsport and to showing the car’s true competitiveness.

Entries in key European championships such as Germany, Great Britain and others are expected and TMG is in discussion with various drivers and teams to secure visibility for the CS-R3.

As well as bringing rear-wheel-drive action back to rally, development of the CS-R3 has opened new possibilities for the CS-V3 race car. By using selected parts perfected for the rally car, the CS-V3 is undergoing an upgrade and the new car will be introduced at a date agreed after consultation with Cup competitors.

Development includes substantial weight reduction, engine development, new aerodynamics and upgrading of brakes and other components in order to achieve TMG’s performance targets.

Nico Ehlert, Principal Engineer Customer Motorsport: “We have been working flat-out these past months to deliver a strong customer motorsport package for the 2016 season. I must admit, there have been a few headaches on the way, and some plans didn’t work out as expected, but I would like to thank our colleagues and partners for their support. We are expecting a spectacular season of racing and rallying with the GT86; I am particularly looking forward to seeing the CS-R3 competing regularly for the first time. Our attractive rates makes it easier than ever for privateers to experience the thrill of rear-wheel-drive rallying, whilst at the same time demonstrating the car’s impressive performance. I would like to wish all our GT86 competitors a safe, successful and fun season.”

Copyright-free, high resolution images of the TMG’s motorsport activities are available for media use on www.toyota-motorsport-photos.com.

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TMG media contact: Alastair Moffitt, Marketing & Communications Manager: [email protected]