WRC
Fowler keeps cool as Toyota hits the ground running
Toyota GAZOO Racing team principal Tom Fowler is keeping expectations in check despite his squad’s perfect start to the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship season.
Back-to-back one-two finishes at Rallye Monte-Carlo and Rally Sweden have set the Japanese marque up for another strong manufacturers’ title defence. But while Toyota’s winter dominance has been impressive, Fowler isn’t reading too much into it.
“To be honest, we didn’t really know about this record,” he admitted. “Somebody told us and, yeah, it’s nice, but it’s two rallies out of 14. We’re not going to get carried away. We’re going to be looking forward to the next rally.
“And it’s worth pointing out that Monte-Carlo, for sure, is really quite a specific event. It’s a rally where things can go your way or very definitely go against you. Coming out of that event with a good result is a relief.
“Sweden’s a bit more straightforward; the car set-up is a bit more recognisable from some of the faster gravel rallies. Like I said, we’re looking forward to the next challenge now. And Safari [Rally Kenya] is always going to be a big challenge!”
Toyota’s early form is a statement of intent, but its record in Africa is even more formidable. Since the Safari’s WRC return in 2021, the Japanese squad has been unbeaten, racking up four consecutive wins - including two podium lockouts.
Toyota's Kalle Rovanperä is a two-time Safari winner
© WRC
