SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 28, 2025 – Few motorsport events stir the soul like Rally Finland, and this year, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) is revving up for what promises to be its most electrifying homecoming yet. Set against the lush, jump-filled gravel roads of central Finland, this high-speed spectacle is more than a championship round—it's a cultural moment for fans and drivers alike.
Why Rally Finland Is More Than Just a Race
The rally’s setting—Jyväskylä and its surrounding forests—has become sacred ground for rally lovers. With smooth, rollercoaster-like roads and heart-stopping jumps, it’s the rallying equivalent of an amusement park ride, but with serious stakes. What makes this year even more special is that TGR-WRT is racing on home turf—its HQ sits just three kilometers from the rally’s service park.
And the stakes? TGR-WRT currently leads the manufacturers’ championship by 52 points. But the real heartbeat of the event lies in personal stories, national pride, and a passion for performance.
Meet the Drivers Bringing the Heat
The Toyota lineup is stacked with talent, emotion, and deep roots in Finnish rally culture:
- Kalle Rovanperä, the local hero from Jyväskylä, is chasing redemption after a cruel crash robbed him of a potential home win last year. With co-driver Jonne Halttunen by his side, he’s hungrier than ever.
- Elfyn Evans, a two-time Finland winner, sits just one point from the top of the drivers’ standings. As he puts it, “Nothing quite compares to the feeling of driving on the Finnish stages.”
- Sébastien Ogier, the French legend, returns to the lightning-fast gravel to keep momentum after a stellar season: “We’ll try to have fun on the beautiful Finnish roads and secure a good result on the home event of the team.”
- Takamoto Katsuta, who learned the rally ropes in Finland, calls this his "second home rally” and is eager to improve on his 2023 podium.
- Sami Pajari, the rising Finnish star, returns a year after his dream debut in Rally1 machinery—ready to top his already-impressive fourth-place finish.
Rally With a Purpose: Hydrogen-Powered Excitement
Beyond the championship, TGR is also showcasing a future-forward rally concept that blends adrenaline with eco-consciousness. The GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept, powered by compressed hydrogen, is debuting in Jyväskylä—keeping all the thrilling sound and speed of rallying while slashing emissions.
Fans will witness this innovation in action during Thursday’s city-stage showdown at Harju, driven by none other than rally icon Juha Kankkunen, who summed it up perfectly: “It’s a very exciting project for our team... demonstrating the potential of hydrogen technology with the sound and performance of a proper rally car.”
What to Watch: Highlights from the Finnish Stages
Here’s what fans can expect across the action-packed weekend:
- Thursday: Opening stage in Harju, a fan favorite run twice through the city center
- Friday: Classic forest stages like Laukaa and Myhinpää
- Saturday: Southeast routes including new-look Parkkola and Leustu
- Sunday: The legendary Ouninpohja returns as the rally finale—expect jumps, screams, and champagne
Editorial Quick Take: How Toyota Blends Legacy with Innovation
The charm of Rally Finland lies in the contrast: historical gravel roads and cutting-edge engineering. Toyota’s approach—celebrating local heroes like Rovanperä while showcasing future tech like the hydrogen-powered GR Yaris—is a masterclass in brand storytelling. For fans, it’s not just about who wins. It’s about why they race, and how this team dares to combine heritage with hope.
Mini FAQ: Your Rally Finland Cheat Sheet
Q: What makes Rally Finland unique?
A: It’s the fastest WRC round, with high jumps and a festival-like atmosphere rooted in Finnish motorsport culture.
Q: Who should fans watch this year?
A: Kalle Rovanperä for local love, Sébastien Ogier for championship fireworks, and Juha Kankkunen in the hydrogen Yaris for a glimpse of the future.
Q: When and where does the rally happen?
A: July 31–August 3 in Jyväskylä, Finland, and surrounding forest roads.
Q: What’s new this year?
A: The debut of the hydrogen-powered GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept—zero emissions, full-throttle thrills.
Q: How can fans follow?
A: Tune into WRC live streams, Toyota’s social media, or head straight to Jyväskylä for the full fan experience.
If you love speed, tech, and the roar of gravel beneath your feet—Rally Finland 2025 is your must-watch event.
Learn more at https://toyotagazooracing.com