Today (29 September) marked another big step towards the long-awaited return of Toyota to the FIA World Rally Championship after an absence of 17 years. Currently undergoing an extensive test programme with the direction of four-time WRC champion Tommi Mäkinen, the 2017-specification Toyota Yaris WRC was presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show.

The unveilling of the car also revealled Microsoft as the technology partner for the Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC team. In addition to Michelin, which is the team’s tyre supplier, the car also carried the logos of Microsoft, DMG MORI and Panasonic Corporation, companies that relate to Toyota's vision on motor sport.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: "I believe that, like Toyota, Microsoft aims to enrich society in meaningful ways. Based on the on-going partnership, we aim to further develop our people and enhance our cars through the use of IT in motor sport to promote ever-better cars."