The Toyota Gazoo Racing Driver Challenge Program (TGR-DC) formerly known as the Toyota Drivers Academy and Toyota Young Drivers Programme (TDP), is a
driver development programme by
Toyota Gazoo Racing
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) is a motorsport division of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. Alongside competition activities, the division develops technologies for the Gazoo Racing (GR) sub-brand of Toyota's sports and performance-oriented pro ...
. It is meant to promote talent in different racing series by helping them with funds, hoping to find drivers who will race for the team in the future. Notable graduates of the scheme are
Kazuki Nakajima
is a Japanese former racing driver and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from to . In Japanese motorsport, Nakajima won the Super Formula Championship in 2012 and 2014 with TOM'S. In endurance racing, Nakajima won the 2018†...
,
Kamui Kobayashi
is a Japanese racing driver and motorsport executive, who competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, Toyota and in Super Formula for KC Motorgroup, KCMG. Kobayashi competed in Formula One from to . In end ...
; who made their F1 debuts for Williams and Toyota, respectively.
The program was launched in 2001 when Toyota entered
Formula 1
Formula One (F1) is the highest class of worldwide racing for open-wheel single-seater formula Auto racing, racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one ...
, and wants to promote young drivers from Japan, and other countries that are able to reach F1.
Current drivers
TGR-DC drivers
* Championship titles highlighted in bold.
TGR-DC Racing School drivers
The TGR-DC Racing School is a team for young Toyota drivers who compete in
F4 Japanese Championship
The is a formula racing series held in Japan regulated according to FIA Formula 4 regulations. The inaugural season was held in 2015.
History
Gerhard Berger and the FIA Single Seater Commission launched the current FIA Formula 4 in March 201 ...
.
Former drivers
TGR-DC drivers
* Championship titles highlighted in bold.
TGR-DC Racing School drivers
* Championship title highlighted in bold.
* Promoted to TGR-DC drivers highlighted in ''italic''.
See also
*
Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC
References
{{Toyota Motor Corporation
Racing schools
Toyota in motorsport