Esapekka Lappi says that it is totally fine if he has to follow team orders by Toyota with the intention of helping his teammates in their championship fight and is being realistic about his chances to win Rally Sweden.
The Finn driver will make his first outing with Toyota in Sweden since his last participation with the Yaris WRC in Finland last year where he competed as a privateer.
Lappi will share the third Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 with Sebastien Ogier this year and this means that the first one will have the opportunity to fight for wins but not for the driver's championship.
"For sure we go there, like on a normal rally, to do our best but on the other hand definitely we need to think about the big picture as well", Lappi said.
"But so far the preparation, everything is just we go there, we try to fight, we need to see where we are first of all let’s say after Friday and at the moment at least it’s allowed for me to be successful as well.
"It’s not said that I cannot be leading if there is a possibility for a win, but for sure it can make things tricky let’s say for ourselves if we are leading and there is a Toyota also in second place.
"So that can be tricky on Sunday, but in the end this is a very good situation if that happens so for sure I’m not disappointed, but I think it’s still a bit early to talk about winning and this stuff.
"I understand you know probably my starting position, it looks now at least that it should be good, but there are some negative effects maybe with the tire wear we don’t know.
"I’m sure, or I believe that our pace is not bad. I’d be very surprised if it is really bad.
"I mean I also know that some team bosses, they want to see angry drivers – that they are hungry enough to fight for the win and this stuff.
"I’m also hungry, but I want to be realistic as well.
"I’m sure I will not keep my job if I don’t let’s say play for the team and that’s the way it is.
"You need to accept it and I’m fine with it".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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