Toyota rally drivers involved in technical testing and high-speed accident

Former WRC driver Mikko Hirvonen has returned to the driver's seat for a specialized testing mission with Toyota. The Finnish driver, who retired from the World Rally Championship in 2014, was recently seen driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in France. His involvement is focused on technical development for Hankook, the South Korean manufacturer set to equip WRC cars next season. Hirvonen is providing professional feedback to assist in the development of next-generation tires intended for the 2027 championship evolutions.

Separately, co-driver Julien Ingrassia has reflected on a high-speed crash involving Sébastien Ogier during the Secto Rally Finland. While leading the race in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, the pair went off the road at high speed, resulting in Ogier being airlifted to a hospital in Tampere. Ingrassia described the intense fear of the impact and the emotional aftermath of the accident, noting the strong competitive bond that allows the duo to maintain their fighting spirit despite such dangerous incidents.