The GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept has made its debut on the iconic Monaco Grand Prix circuit, driven by Morizo, aka Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Toyota continues to advance the development of hydrogen-fuelled race and rally cars, with Toyoda regularly demonstrating the technology to highlight the rapid progress being made in hydrogen combustion for motorsport.

Previous appearances include the WRC Ypres Rally in August 2022, where Toyoda drove a hydrogen-engine GR Yaris; the 100th anniversary of Le Mans in June 2023 in a GR Corolla H2 Concept; and extensive participation in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance series, using both gaseous and liquid-hydrogen prototype GR Corolla race cars.

This week’s demonstration in Monte Carlo showcased hydrogen technology to a wide audience of motorsport stakeholders at the heart of the World Rally community.

“It is a great honour to be able to drive the Monaco circuit in a hydrogen rally car,” said Toyoda.

The motivation behind Toyota’s hydrogen programme is clear: preserving the emotional appeal and distinctive sound of high-performance race and rally cars in a carbon-neutral future.

“Hydrogen is a very important element in motorsports, and hydrogen engines are extremely well-suited to racing,” Toyoda added. “I hope people can understand our intention and will support this activity as we work toward the future of motorsport.”

With development programmes already announced, standards and regulations progressing, and a growing number of participants, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a potential pillar of future competition across the World Rally Championship (WRC), World Endurance Championship (WEC) and World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).