Toyota and Mazda greet each other following a race invite exchange
In the world of motorsport, the competition between Mazda and Toyota has reached new heights, with the presidents of both companies, Akira Marumoto and Morizo, sharing a common passion for cars and racing.
This rivalry was on full display at two separate events last year. The Fuji International Speedway hosted the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race, where Morizo declined an invitation to attend due to a scheduling conflict with the Media Roadster 4 Hours Endurance Race at Tsukuba, an event where Marumoto's Mazda team was also present.
The Media Roadster race at Tsukuba saw an exciting moment in 2019 when Morizo's team overtook Mazda's "Works" team, an achievement that Marumoto remembers fondly. In response, Mazda had offered to lend another Mazda Roadster to Morizo's team for the 2020 race, but unfortunately, they were unable to participate due to the conflict with the Fuji event.
The 2020 Media Roadster race was originally scheduled for 4 hours but was shortened to 2.5 hours without refueling. Despite the changes, Morizo's team had finished in 2nd place the previous year and had received an invitation to participate again. However, the unique format of the race forced them to withdraw.
In a turn of events, Marumoto had vowed to get revenge against Morizo's team in the 2020 Media Roadster 4 Hours Endurance Race, but the two teams are now competing in different events. The Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race and the Media Roadster 4 Hours Endurance Race at Tsukuba will continue to host this competitive duo in 2021, with uncertainty about future interactions.
In a letter exchange, both presidents exchanged pleasantries using their own company/brand keywords. Marumoto expressed his commitment to "make ever better cars" to ensure Mazda does not lose to Toyota. In 2020, Marumoto also expressed regret and apologized to Team Morizo for their withdrawal from last year's race at the Tsukuba Circuit.
Mazda had been maintaining a Roadster specifically for Morizo's Rookie Racing team, demonstrating their support for their rival's team. As the competition between the two companies continues, it's clear that the spirit of sportsmanship remains alive, even in the heat of competition.
