Toyota GAZOO Racing Delivers Historic 1-2-3-4 Finish at Rally Islas Canarias

Motorsport success has always been deeply rooted in Toyota’s global identity. Toyota has just achieved what sounds unbelievable with a historic 1-2-3-4 Finish at Rally Islas Canarias, one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 season. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing showcased the commanding display of engineering, strategy, and driver excellence to the whole world. The result reinforces Toyota’s position as one of the most competitive brands in global motorsport today, across the UAE among motorsport fans. 

What A Perfect Weekend for Toyota

Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier was leading the charge for Toyota with his co-driver Vincent Landais, who secured their first victory of the 2026 season. The duo was driving the Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 and finished the race with a commanding 19.9-second advantage. Toyota did not stop at the first position; their teammates, Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin, finished second after a consistently fast performance, while rising stars Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen secured third, making it Pajari’s fourth consecutive podium finish. 

What makes it more impressive is that the Toyota won all 17 stages of the rally, making it a rare moment in the modern WRC competition history. 

Why This Matters for UAE Motorsport Fans

Rally races hold a special place in the hearts of Middle Eastern motorsport enthusiasts. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and Dubai International Rally are key attractions for them, showcasing extreme endurance and off-road performance. 

Toyota’s success demonstrates how lessons learned in extreme competition environments directly influence production vehicles sold across the UAE. This connection between racing and real-world driving resonates strongly with UAE buyers who value durability, reliability, and high-performance engineering. Inspired by racing, GR technology makes daily driving in the Gulf better.

The New Era for Toyota

The result significantly boosted Toyota’s championship campaign. The team collected 59 of a possible 60 manufacturer points, extending its lead to 98 points in the standings. Evans has moved to the top of the drivers’ standings, with Katsuta and Pajari also maintaining strong positions in the title fight. This shows that Toyota is fighting with a strong team of multiple drivers, rather than relying on just one star. 

Looking Ahead

Now the focus is on the next round of the championship, the Rally de Portugal. In it, the gravel stages will test durability, tyre management, and consistency that is traditionally associated with Toyota rally cars.

Also Read: Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla: When Rally DNA Meets Everyday Driving