Esteban Ocon’s Dream Come True: Driving the GR Yaris Rally1 at Goodwood

Esteban Ocon, a prominent driver for the Haas Formula 1 team, recently fulfilled a childhood ambition by getting behind the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally1 car during the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. This remarkable opportunity arose from the growing collaboration between Haas and Toyota, although the full scope of this partnership is still unfolding.

A Childhood Dream Realized

Ocon has always had a passion for cars, and his fascination with rally vehicles has been a long-standing dream. "I have always expressed my love for cars since our visit to Japan, where I mentioned my desire to test a World Rally Championship (WRC) car," Ocon shared in an interview with Motorsport.com. Earlier this year, he experienced his first taste of gravel driving in a GR Yaris while in Japan, a moment that sparked his excitement for the WRC.

The opportunity to drive the GR Yaris at Goodwood came as a surprise, reportedly initiated by Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota. Ocon expressed immense gratitude for the experience, recalling, "Honestly, I can’t thank them enough. I hardly slept the night before; it was a dream come true to drive this car."

The Big Surprise at Goodwood

Initially, the Haas team kept the news under wraps until Ocon received his event schedule for Goodwood. "When I looked at my agenda and saw ‘Esteban, WRC,’ I was confused and called Ayao Komatsu, our team principal," Ocon recounted. "He acted as if there was a mistake, but then he started laughing and revealed that I was, in fact, going to drive the WRC." This revelation sent Ocon through a rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately leading to the exhilarating experience he had always desired.

Reflecting on his childhood dreams, Ocon expressed, "When I was young, I imagined one day buying a WRC car to drive daily. I later learned these cars are road-legal but require special permits for competition. But at the age of 12, that was my dream."

The Thrill of Driving a WRC Car

Ocon’s experience behind the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally1 did not disappoint. In addition to driving the car, he also had the chance to ride alongside Takamoto Katsuta, a Toyota rally driver. "It was incredibly impressive," Ocon noted. "Sometimes, after driving F1 cars, you become a bit indifferent to other vehicles. But this experience blew my mind."

The engineering excellence of the WRC car struck Ocon, drawing parallels to DTM cars. "Everything about it is like a prototype, meticulously designed," he explained. "The handbrake is user-friendly, you don’t need to use the clutch, and the steering feels incredibly smooth and responsive. The throttle is set up in such a way that you go full throttle immediately. I had an absolute blast."

A New Perspective from the Passenger Seat

One of the most remarkable moments for Ocon was riding as a passenger next to Katsuta. "Jumping in the car with Takamoto was the most impressive part," he said. "If I had only driven it myself, I might have thought the grip wasn’t that great. But riding alongside him was a completely different experience." This ride provided Ocon a unique perspective on the capabilities of the WRC car and showcased the skill involved in rally driving.

Future Aspirations in Rallying

When asked if he would consider participating in rallies after his Formula 1 career, Ocon was enthusiastic. "For fun, definitely," he stated. However, he clarified, "I would not pursue it in the Rally1 class. I would probably reach out for a test drive just to have fun, if they allow me that opportunity." His gratitude towards Toyota for trusting him with the WRC cars was palpable, as he expressed, "I will forever be thankful to Toyota for this amazing experience."

The Collaboration Between Haas and Toyota

The partnership between Haas and Toyota is poised to unlock new opportunities for both entities. While the collaboration is still in its early stages, the potential for growth and shared success is significant. As both organizations continue to develop their relationship, fans can expect to see innovative approaches and exciting projects in the future.

The experiences of drivers like Ocon serve to strengthen the ties between the two companies. With Ocon’s exposure to WRC vehicles, it is likely that Haas will explore further avenues to engage its drivers in diverse motorsport disciplines. Such cross-pollination of experiences not only enhances the skill set of the drivers but also promotes a deeper understanding of various racing formats.

The Importance of Grassroots Motorsports

Ocon’s journey from a young car enthusiast to a professional driver illustrates the importance of grassroots motorsports in nurturing talent. His story emphasizes how early experiences can shape a driver’s career and aspirations. Engaging with different types of motorsport, such as rallying, can provide invaluable lessons in vehicle dynamics and driving techniques, contributing to a well-rounded driving skill set.

In a world where the motorsport landscape is continuously evolving, it is crucial for drivers to diversify their experiences. By participating in events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, drivers can connect with fans and other motorsport enthusiasts, further promoting the sport’s growth and accessibility.

Celebrating Motorsports at Goodwood

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a significant event in the motorsport calendar, attracting fans and participants from around the globe. It celebrates the rich history of motorsports while also showcasing modern innovations and exciting performances. The festival serves as a platform for drivers to interact with fans, share their passion for racing, and demonstrate their skills on a world-famous hill climb.

For Ocon, participating in such a prestigious event was not just an opportunity to drive a WRC car; it was a chance to connect with fellow motorsport lovers and share his enthusiasm for racing. Events like Goodwood play a vital role in bringing together the motorsport community, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants and fans alike.

Conclusion

Esteban Ocon’s experience at the Goodwood Festival of Speed highlights the intersection of dreams and reality in the world of motorsports. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring drivers, reminding them that with dedication and passion, dreams can indeed come true. The collaboration between Haas and Toyota is just beginning to unfold, and the future holds exciting possibilities for both the team and its drivers. Ocon’s story is a testament to the enduring allure of motorsports and the dreams that fuel it.