The Celica made its debut in the eighth round of the DRM series in Hockenheimring in July 1977, supporting the German Grand Prix. Driven by Harald Ertl, the blue Celica qualified thirteenth, 25 seconds per lap slower than the pole-winning 935. It retired from the race after four laps. It returned for the following round in Zolder, qualifying seventh, five seconds slower than the pole-winning 935. There it retired after 3 laps. At the final round in Nürburgring, it finished fourth behind three privateer Porsche 935s which it had intended to compete against.