Esteban Ocon Realises Dream at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Esteban Ocon fulfilled a childhood ambition when he had the chance to drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, highlighting the burgeoning partnership between his Formula 1 team, Haas, and Toyota. “I wanted to buy a WRC car and go shopping with it,” Ocon reflected, recalling his early aspirations while on an adrenaline-fueled journey at the famed event.
A Journey from Dreams to Reality
Ocon, who had been vocal about his desire to test a World Rally Championship car ever since visiting Japan earlier this year, was taken by surprise when he discovered he would be behind the wheel of the GR Yaris. Initially, the team’s plans were kept secret, leaving Ocon to speculate about his schedule before receiving the shocking news.
Excitement Builds
“I called Ayao [Komatsu, Haas team principal] and asked, ‘Am I driving the WRC?'” Ocon explained. To his delight, the answer was affirmative, with Toyota orchestrating the surprise.
A Unique Experience
The experience proved to be nothing short of extraordinary for Ocon, who described the sensation of both driving and riding shotgun with Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta. “This was incredible,” he said. “It reminded me of the DTM cars, with everything designed to perfection.”
Impressive Engineering
Ocon was particularly impressed with the engineering of the vehicle. He noted the user-friendly mechanics, from the straightforward handbrake to the responsive steering, making it an exhilarating drive. “Jumping in with Katsuta was the real eye-opener; this is something else,” he added.
Future Aspirations in Rallying
When asked about potentially pursuing rallying in the future, the French driver was enthusiastic. “Definitely for fun after my F1 career,” he said, hinting at the possibility of getting behind the wheel again—but not in the Rally1 class. “I may reach out for a test; if they give me the opportunity, I’d be forever grateful.”
Esteban Ocon’s thrilling day at the Goodwood Festival of Speed serves as a testament to his passion for motorsport and his unwavering dreams, blending the allure of Formula 1 with the excitement of rallying.
