Toyota Gazoo Racing president Akio Toyoda attended the WRC Rally Japan event last month. The race concluded with the GR Yaris Rally1 cars finishing in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place. That weekend, Toyoda spoke individually with drivers at Toyota City, including a private meeting with Sébastien Ogier. While the details of this conversation were not made public, it appears to have been a key factor in Ogier's decision to continue competing for his 10th world championship title.
Toyoda sends a message to Ogier after Greece's victory.
Following Ogier and road builder Vincent Landais's victory at the Acropolis Rally last Sunday, Toyoda posted a congratulatory message on social media. His message read: “One of my favorite memories from the rally in Japan was when Séb came up to me and talked to me. Looking back at this result in Greece, I’m very happy if that conversation contributed even a little to this success. I can’t wait to see what you can do in the second half of the season. Keep it up!”
Toyoda gave a detailed assessment of Ogier and Landais' performance at the Acropolis Rally: “Séb and Vincent; thank you for your magnificent comeback victory on the last day! Winning Super Sunday, winning the powerstage, collecting maximum points and moving up to third place in the overall championship standings… This is the Séb and Vincent we all know!” With his victory in Greece, Ogier achieved his second win of the season and moved into third place in the drivers' championship.
Katsuta also received congratulations on his runway appearance and a statement about his surgery.
Toyoda also addressed Takamoto Katsuta, who finished third at the Acropolis Rally: “Takamoto, congratulations once again on your third-place finish. We’ve seen you on the podium in half of the rallies so far this season. I want to see more from you in the second half of the season.” Katsuta has already finished on the podium in three of the six stages of the 2026 season.
Toyoda concluded his message with a personal statement: “Actually, I recently underwent surgery to fix my own ‘malfunction’ and am still recovering. The team’s impressive performances are the best medicine I could ask for. Thank you very much to everyone on the team!” Akio Toyoda, grandson of Toyota Motor Corporation founder Kiichiro Toyoda, is expected to recover his health as soon as possible.