Toyota Motor Corp. said Friday it will return to the World Rally Championship in 2017, participating in the prestigious motor sports event for the first time since 1999.
The decision highlights Toyota's desire to strengthen its technology development and enhance its brand image, company sources said earlier.
The WRC, like Formula One, is one of the world's most renowned race series.
Japanese automakers are beginning to re-enter motor racing after Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and others pulled out of major competitions to trim costs following the 2008 global financial crisis that triggered a plunge in auto demand worldwide.
Honda has said it will participate in F1 this year as an engine supplier to the McLaren team of Britain after withdrawing from the Grand Prix racing series in 2008.