Reviving Heritage: Castrol-Themed GR Yaris Rally2 Hits British Rally Championship
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This year’s British Rally Championship will witness the participation of two Castrol-themed GR Yaris Rally2 vehicles, marking a nostalgic return to the iconic Castrol livery of the 1993 WRC season, famously adorning the Toyota Celica GT-Four. Melvyn Evans Motorsport proudly introduces the new “Castrol MEM Rally Team” and their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, paying homage to its legendary predecessor, the Celica GT-Four ST185, at the picturesque Rolls of Monmouth country estate in the UK.
Keane Design meticulously crafted the updated Castrol-themed livery, retaining the essence of the original with contemporary graphic elements against a timeless white backdrop. The GR Yaris Rally2, with its wide fender extensions and prominent aerodynamic features, exudes a formidable presence, complementing the legacy of the Celica GT-Four ST185.
The Castrol MEM Rally Team will field two cars, driven by Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson, as well as Chris Ingram and Alex Kihurani. Meirion Evans, transitioning from a VW Polo to the GR Yaris, expresses profound excitement, highlighting the significance of the opportunity presented by Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing in Finland and adhering to WRC2 regulations, the GR Yaris Rally2, introduced in 2022, features a non-electrified turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine coupled with a five-speed sequential transmission, delivering power to all four wheels. In contrast, its predecessor, the Toyota GT-Four ST185, propelled rally legends Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, and Didier Auriol to championship victories from 1992 to 1994, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed Xtrac gearbox.
