The team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Jari-Matti Latvala, explains that Kalle Rovanpera's contract includes a specific number of participations this year and exchanged CER with Rally Poland following Sebastien Ogier's recce accident.
The Finn driver normally would take part in Central European Rally in twelve days, but Toyota made an immediate call to him in order to his having competing in Poland last June and to replace Sebastien Ogier who was involved at a recce accident. Rovanpera had signed a part-time contract with Toyota for 2024 which included a limited number of his outings with the GR Yaris Rally1. However, since Ogier is considered one of the title contenders, Toyota's plans changed, thus the Frenchman had to drive the Yaris on the last four WRC rounds of the season in order to chase his ninth title in World Rally Championship. Finally, Rovanpera has claimed four wins with Toyota so far this year and it is very likely to see him at Rally Japan as it is the home event for Toyota, but the most important thing is that the team needs him to defend their title as Hyundai is leading the manufacturers' championship for many months.
"We had a contract with Kalle for a set number of rallies this season", Latvala said.
"And, of course, he stepped in and competed in Poland for us following Ogier’s recce accident.
"The plan originally was to bring Kalle to CER, but now we had to exchange this one for Poland and it’s not possible.
“Of course, we would have liked to have Kalle with us, but we are at the maximum number of events in his contract and we can’t force him to drive.
"First of all for the drivers’ championship, we know this is starting to be very, very difficult.
"I think our main aim and our main target is now in the manufacturers’ championship.
"In Chile we were able to take the gap from 35 down to 17.
"This is giving a really good boost and motivation for everybody inside the team.
"I know that we don’t have Kalle going to CER, but we are still, let’s say, feeling good and Sébastien, we know he’s strong.
"Elfyn was also showing really good performance now in Chile.
"So I think they both are in really good form".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Toyota
Post a Comment