Kiwi rally star Zeal Jones is once again aiming to secure a place in Toyota’s world rally programme as a stepping stone to becoming one of the top-level competitors in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Jones has made the final ‘cut’ of just five drivers for the final of the 2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program – securing a place from 100 drivers initially assessed.
The first selection at Koda Circuit in Aichi, Nagoya, used Toyota’s GR86 model and narrowed the field of contenders down over several days of one practice lap and two time attack laps, with the top three from each session advancing to the semi-final.
In the semi-final, drivers were evaluated less on lap times and more on car handling, pressure management and driving skill over a slightly altered course.
Zeal and the other drivers completed one practice and two timed laps with both instructors, Mikko Hirvonen and Jouni Ampuja, who then hand-selected five finalists to advance to the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC Challenge Program Generation 5 final in Finland, come December.
Jones’ name was on the final list, as it was in last year’s competition. “If anything, I’m relieved,” he said.
“Having gone through this last year, there was that added expectation to make it again, and we did. It was stressful, but I wanted to put my best foot forward, which it seems we did.”
Jones has scored numerous podium finishes and stage wins during his debut Japanese rallying season, competing in the Morizo Challenge Cup along with a large number of potential young rally stars. A win has eluded him, but he says he’s learned a lot.
“We’ve learned a lot from last year’s experience and also from our year in Japan this season, where driving on the tarmac helped improve our smoothness, calmness, and overall understanding of what the instructors are looking for.
“I’m really excited to go back to Finland, the rallying capital of the world. It’s a lifetime opportunity to drive on ice and snow in different cars and to be coached by WRC drivers across a week, which is truly world-class.
“To be part of Toyota Gazoo Racing would be a dream. They are the reigning world manufacturers’ champions and are having a great season this year, practically dominating, so representing and earning a contract with a team like that would be an honour.
“This year, nothing will be a surprise, and we can prepare better, knowing what to expect. My focus is on consistency, strong physical preparation, and proving that I’m an all-around driver capable of ultimately reaching the WRC team.”
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program was established in 2015 with the ambition to identify and develop rally drivers from Japan who can compete on the world stage. Jones qualifies as his mother is Japanese.
Header Image: Supplied
