The team principal of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Jari-Matti Latvala, says that his team is very motivated and very determined to win the manufacturer championship next week and believes that they can achieve it considering what his drivers did at Rally Chile.
Toyota is heading to its home event in Japan next week with a 15-point disadvantage over Hyundai which reels in claiming its third crown in World Rally Championship. The Japanese team will compete with Sebastien Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta and Elfyn Evans at the season finale as Kalle Rovanpera has already completed his partial campaign with the GR Yaris Rally1 this year. In 2023, Toyota did the 1-2-3 at Rally Japan with Evans having finished at the top step of the podium while Ogier and Rovanpera completed the podium positions. However, the chances are against Toyota to defend its manufacturer title as Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak will have a better road position compared to the top two Toyota drivers, Ogier and Evans. Rally Japan will be held on November 21-24 and includes 21 stages with 302,59 competitive kilometers.
"As one of our home events, Rally Japan is very important for our team and I think it’s going to be a really exciting rally for everyone to follow", Latvala said.
"All of the main championships are still to be decided, including in WRC2.
"We still have a chance in the manufacturers’ championship, and we are very motivated and determined to try and win it in Japan.
"It may take almost a perfect weekend from our side, but we achieved that in Chile which gives us confidence that it’s possible, as does our amazing 1-2-3 finish in Japan last year.
"It’s a demanding rally for the drivers and at this time of year the weather can be unpredictable, but this also gives us opportunities.
"Elfyn won there last year and relishes those kinds of conditions, while Seb will want to finish the season on a high and Taka is feeling confident for his home event after his strong finish in Central Europe.
"Lastly, it has been great to see the performance of the GR Yaris Rally2 car this year, together with that of Sami Pajari, and if he can win the WRC2 title in Japan it would be a fantastic story".
Photo Credits: Toyota
Post a Comment