2020 will go down in the history books as one of the worst years of the 21st century, but there have been a few silver linings here and there. In the motoring world, one of those came in the form of the excellent Toyota GR Yaris, a homologation-spec rally racer for the street that has everyone buzzing about its excellent dynamics and cool looks. Unfortunately, the Yaris range has been discontinued in the US, and along with that, our dreams of ever seeing one of these little beasties tearing up a local race track, but we can still join in the fun and see what people are getting up to in these soon-to-be classic hot hatchbacks.

To end off this tragedy of a year, and to celebrate the colossal efforts made by essential workers, Toyota UK recently revealed a colorful GR Yaris that sports a mural designed by a high school student as part of Toyota and Wales Rally Great Britain's "Design a Rally Car Livery" contest.

The facemask that hooks around its side mirrors has become a globally recognized symbol of the global pandemic gripping most parts of the world, and the side profile shows off all types of essential workers, including a teacher, construction worker, nurse, and police officer.

The mastermind behind this relatable design, 16-year-old Welsh national Alice Goodliffe, is an avid WRC fan. "I'm a big rally fan and was absolutely gutted when this year's Wales Rally GB was canceled due to Covid-19," she said. "I wanted my design to reflect all the hard work that key workers have done during the pandemic and to show a token of appreciation for them. As a family, we are keen supporters of Wales Rally GB and are so disappointed that it was unable to take place this year," she concluded.

While Toyota missed out on a Manufacturers' Championship, Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier managed to clinch the Driver's Championship title. Never underestimate the emotional impact a special car can have on people.