The team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Jari-Matti Latvala, hopes that his team will confirm its line-up for 2023 by Rally Japan and the drivers will remain the same as this season.
The Japanese team is expected to retain Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanpera as its full-season drivers for next year while Esapekka Lappi and Sebastien Ogier will share the third Yaris Rally1. Takamoto Katsuta will continue his programme and may drive for the second team of Toyota which is named "NG Team".
However, Ott Tanak may be an option for Toyota after his departure from Hyundai Motorsport at the end of 2022.
"I cannot give you anything official but I guess the question is, ‘if you win all the championships, is there a point to change something?’", Latvala said.
"But it’s not my decision. We have a good influence on this on which drivers we would like to have but of course the final decision comes from TMC [Toyota Motor Corporation].
"Hopefully we will have some news when we arrive in Japan.
"Then, we have to discuss carefully of course, what the benefits are.
"We know that Ott Tänak is a fast driver, one of the fastest drivers; I think he and Kalle are the fastest in the championship.
"But then, is it good for the team, for the championship?
"These are the things we need to discuss, and I think what is good for us is that we can have a good communication so I think we can discuss and finetune, so we are all happy with the decision.
"I hope by Japan, then things will be cleared up, to announce the drivers there.
"But at this point everything is still open".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
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