Double Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has called Toyota’s hotly anticipated new GR Yaris “the perfect combination of sport and good performance” after putting the World Rally Championship inspired car through its paces at Estoril race circuit in Portugal.

The event gave the FIA World Endurance Champion and double Toyota Gazoo Racing Le Mans winner his first impression of the GR Yaris.

Despite the tricky conditions, Alonso was clearly enjoying driving the turbocharged four-wheel drive GR Yaris. “This car has the perfect combination of sport and good performance. A very sporty car you can drive every day exceeding your expectations in every gear change, in every braking point in every corner, you know it’s a little bit better than you expect.”

Alonso, who also completed the gruelling Dakar Rally for Toyota Gazoo Racing last month added, “Not only the power and the stability, but for me also the brakes, it was a really nice surprise, it is only the first few laps but it is exciting!”

The Toyota GR Yaris will be the second Gazoo Racing model available in the UK market joining the GR Supra which was launched last year.  The GR Yaris will be available to buy in the UK market later in the year and more information regarding specification and pricing will be released in due course.