While the first edition of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Iberian Cup was a success, this second season is no less exciting. The Toyota GR Yaris RZ Cup has been chosen by the organization of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally to be car "0" of the event. Undoubtedly, a prestigious acknowledgement for the single-brand cup organized by Toyota Spain, Toyota Caetano Portugal and Motor & Sport Institute (MSi), which is a milestone for motorsport in the Iberian Peninsula.

The organization based its decision on the technical specifications of the GR Yaris. In addition to the power of the engine, the specific suspensions and adjustments typical of competition cars, the GR-FOUR 4-wheel drive, reliability and effectiveness in variable weather conditions, typical of the event that usually opens the World Rally Championship (WRC), have been the determining factors.

Specifically MSi has sent two units to Monte Carlo, as required by the organization. One will be driven by the historic Belgian driver Marc Duez and the other one by the experienced French driver Florian Bernardi, who last year disputed several rounds of the national championship of his country with a category 2 Rally model. Both Toyota GR Yaris have the new gearbox with straight teeth and new openings in the hood, to improve the cooling of the 261 hp, turbocharged 1.6 engine. These improvements mean important new developments for 2023, which will make the car even more competitive. 

The Monte Carlo Rally will start on Thursday 19 and will also feature the participation of the official TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (WRT), current world champion of manufacturers and drivers, which aims to renew both titles. A total of 18 timed special stages will be contested, including the mythical La Bollène-Vésubie/Col de Turini stage, where temperatures are expected to reach -7°C on Thursday. The rally will end on January 22 with the disputed stage.

This year, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Iberian Cup calendar consists of 8 rallies (4 in Portugal and 4 in Spain) and will start on March 11, in other famous event: the Fafe Rally. Following last season's setup, the event will be contested on both gravel and tarmac, which is an incentive for the drivers to take another step forward in their sporting careers, in a year in which the number of cars registered for each event is expected to grow significantly.

In turn, the amount the organization of the Toyota single-brand cup will distribute this year will reach 300,000 € to which a special prize for the best junior driver, the best female driver, and the best senior driver are to be added. These are the economic prizes. Besides, the winner of the cup will have the chance to test the Toyota Rally 

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