Identify: Morizo

In the world of automotive manufacturing, few names carry as much weight as Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation. But beyond his executive role, Toyoda is also known by the name "Morizo" when he is driving – a persona he adopted to pursue his passion for motorsport and challenge himself in a way that sets him apart from his corporate responsibilities.

Toyoda's journey into the world of racing began when he returned to Japan holding a top-ranked driving license. It was then that he met Hiromu Naruse, Toyota's then chief test driver, who would become his driving teacher. Under Naruse's tutelage, Toyoda honed his driving skills, learning the basics and the nuances of driving that would serve him well in his future endeavours.

Naruse, who was responsible for "seasoning" Toyota's sports cars, did not want Toyoda and his team to enter the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race to compete to win. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity for training people and cars. In 2007, Toyoda, along with Naruse and their fellow test drivers, launched "GAZOO Racing" and attempted the Nürburgring race.

The Nürburgring course, with its tough roads, tested the limits of a car, revealing issues that don't normally appear on standard test courses. It was here that Toyoda learned the phrase, "the road makes the car." This lesson stayed with him, guiding his approach to car design and development.

Tragically, Naruse passed away in 2010 due to an accident on a public road near the Nürburgring. Despite this loss, the remaining members of GAZOO Racing continued their work, and it has grown to play a central role in making ever-better cars at Toyota. GAZOO Racing is committed to "making ever-better cars" and developing people who support this through motor sports.

Toyoda, now known as "Morizo," took on this new role with determination. He wanted to become the "final arbiter" of Toyota's cars, understanding their strengths and weaknesses on the road. To make himself less conspicuous and susceptible to criticism, he started using the name "Morizo" from the 2007 Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

The team at GAZOO Racing works together to overcome the emerging issues during a race, and the know-how cultivated at the track is used to make cars. With "Morizo" at the helm, Toyota continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering, driven by a passion for the road and a commitment to excellence.