Toyota Fuji Hydrogen Tech Shows Promise!

When Latvala takes the wheel of a Rookie Racing-run GR Corolla H2 Concept in Super Taikyu’s main event, he will be the first person to drive a hydrogen-powered race vehicle. Following an invitation from Toyota president Akio Toyoda, another part of the six-driver lineup for the hydrogen machine’s second Fuji 24h trip, the Finn has made the rare crossover from rallying to circuit racing.

With the launch of the new Rally1 hybrid vehicles, powered by 100 per cent sustainable fuel, the WRC has taken the first steps toward a more sustainable future.

However, the FIA is already pressing the WRC to begin planning for its next set of regulations, including numerous possibilities for vehicle propulsion. Latvala’s rationale for racing in Fuji is that he believes hydrogen power might be a better answer for rallying than going fully electric.

In addition to Toyoda (who competed under the alias ‘Morizo,’ Latvala will be joined in the cockpit this weekend by Hiroaki Ishiura, Masahiro Sasaki, Yasuhiro Ogura, and Japanese rally champion Norihiko Katsuta (father of current Toyota WRC driver Takamoto).

Since competing in the 2010 Nurburgring 24 Hours in a Ford Focus RS, this weekend will be his first taste of circuit racing. Latvala will miss the WRC event in Sardinia this weekend due to his participation in the Fuji 24h. Kaj Lindstrom, Toyota WRC’s sports director, instead directs the squad at the Italian gravel rally.