Toyota Gazoo Racing revealed an unchanged colour scheme for its 2020 Yaris World Rally Car on the opening day of the three-day Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan.

Its all-new driver line-up of Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia, Elfyn Evans / Scott Martin and Kalle Rovanperä / Jonne Halttunen were seen for the first time in the Japanese manufacturer’s distinctive red and white livery.

It is the first time the team has started the WRC year in Japan, launching a season that will conclude in November with the country’s first FIA World Rally Championship round since 2010.

Team principal Tommi Mäkinen said his squad, which won the 2019 drivers’ title courtesy of Ott Tänak, would start the 2020 campaign at Rallye Monte-Carlo (23 - 27 January) with performance upgrades.

“On the outside, our car looks similar to before, and we are mostly keeping the same package that was strong in many different conditions last year,” he explained.

“But we are always working to make some small improvements to make it even better, and we will go into this season with a lighter and more powerful car. I’m confident our talented new drivers will quickly feel comfortable and that we can aim high again this season.

“It is great to be in Japan to launch our season with our new drivers. We are really looking forward to the WRC returning to Japan this year, so it is nice to start the season here together with lots of Japanese car fans,” he added.

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