With the announcement in January that Toyota Motorsport GmbH will return to the World Rally Championship in 2017 the team have been concentrating on their junior development program which aims to reveal future WRC contenders.
Toyota announced today have completed their line up by signing Finland’s Teemu Suninen as their second driver, he joins Frenchman Eric Camilli who signed for TMG in January.
Suninen revealed his potential by winning the WRC3 class on Rally Finland last season while also winning the Finnish Fiesta Sport Trophy in 2014.
The pair will contest a WRC2 and WRC3 campaign this year while also assisting Stephane Sarrazin and Sebastian Lindholm in the development of the Yaris WRC throughout the year. The programme also aims to develop the drivers’ existing skills in terms of personal fitness, communication, media relations and team work.
“I am very proud to join the TMG junior driver development scheme.” said Suninen, “Toyota has such a strong reputation and history in rally; it’s a great honour to be selected by TMG to be a part of their return. I can’t wait to get started; I will give my maximum to repay the faith shown in me.
“My target is to learn as much as possible, because I am still early in my rally career. I want to grow with the team and I’m looking forward to working alongside Stéphane, Sebastian and Eric. There is a positive and professional atmosphere within the team which is very motivating.”
Toyota have a rich history in the WRC which three manufacturers titles to their name.
