New Zealand rally star Zeal Jones has been named among 100 young drivers shortlisted for Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team’s ‘WRC Challenge Program’.
Only open to Japanese drivers, the South Aucklander’s mother is Japanese, meaning Jones is eligible to compete in October, hoping to secure a spot in the final four, which will be announced after a final shootout in Finland in December.
The programme began in 2015 and launched the career of Takamoto Katsuta, who is now a WRC star and currently seventh in the 2024 WRC standings.
In the summer of 2021, TGR started recruiting the second generation of drivers, where Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto were among those chosen. Both have now progressed to the Rally2 class.
The third generation was selected in 2023, where Shotaro Goto and Takumi Matsushita were chosen from 70 applicants.
Jones is among a group of 100 looking to represent the famed manufacturer’s fourth generation of Japanese talent.
The 19-year-old will travel to Fuji International Speedway for the first evaluation on October 22-24. From there, the 100 finalists are narrowed down to an unspecified number, and those making the cut are invited back on the 25th.
Five people are then invited to Finland in December for final evaluations before the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team selects its Generation 4 candidates.
Those chosen will live in Finland with a customised training programme as they pursue their WRC dreams.
Jones is well qualified to pursue such a goal. Like many, he started his racing career in karts and climbed through the junior categories and national championships.
He is the youngest driver ever to become the NZRC Rally Challenge Champion and currently sits fourth overall in the NZRC. Most recently, he became the second youngest ever to climb the podium in a national championship round when he finished third in the Daybreaker Rally. He also leads the Junior Championship.
Jones is also an Elite Motorsport Academy graduate and topped camp week’s points table to take home the prestigious Bruce McLaren Trophy in 2023. He is also a member of the Winmax Junior Driver programme.
“I’m excited by this opportunity as it’s the dream gateway to the WRC,” he said. “However, I know that it is more than just my skill on stage that will set me apart to show my overall ability as a driver on and off stage.
“I have been fortunate enough to have a fantastic support crew around me, as well as my sponsors who have helped me to this step in my career. I am looking forward to getting on the plane and giving it my all in Japan.
“I will be using everything I’ve learnt throughout my past, especially key takeaways from the Elite Motorsport Academy and the Winmax Junior Driver Program as they help guide my path to a packaged driver not only on but off stage as well.”
Jones has also caught the eye of Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand, which is getting behind the 19-year-old as he gears up for next month’s shootout.
Toyota Gazoo Racing NZ Motorsport Manager Nicolas Caillol says the young Kiwi has what it takes to do well.
“He’s impressive in the car and out of the car, and we’re delighted to support the opportunity to show his talent in Japan in front of the works WRC team.”
