Sardinia, “a turning point in the championship” according to Toyota

On the last step of the ranking of Manufacturers registered in the World Rally Championship (WRC) après six manches en 2018 (138 points contre 175 pour Hyundai), the Toyota Gazoo Racing compte revenir dans le jeu lors du prochain Rally from Italy-Sardinia (June 8-10).

For this, she is counting on the last winner of the island event, the Estonian Ott Tänak. The 2017 runner-up even ranks this meeting as one of the most special of the year. “I think it will be a turning point in the championship ", estimates the wearer of number 8", who would like to get back on track after his retirement in Portugal (radiator punctured in the second special).

“I am also satisfied with the behavior of the Yaris in the last gravel events, both in Argentina (victory) and in Portugal. All I have to do now is turn this velocity into a result.", explains the third in the Drivers' ranking, 47 points behind Thierry Neuville (Hyundai).

Much further behind overall (9th with 31 units), Jari-Matti Latvala will have the task of not falling back into his faults, namely his propensity to leave the track. The Finn has not scored a single point since the Rally Mexico in early March. “I really like this event. The roads have a very hard base with a sand surface above, which can make grip precarious for early competitors (which will not be his case. Editor’s note). The stages are narrow but it is possible to go very fast.

I feel good before going to Sardinia. I spent two days of testing in Portugal without the slightest problem or error. This greatly boosts my confidence and I still enjoy driving the Yaris”he says.

As for the third man, Esapekka Lappi is definitely the most consistent driver thanks to his six rallies completed (five times in the points) this year. The 27-year-old Finn feels good in his boots since he is still in fifth place overall, 17 points behind his teammate Ott Tänak. “Last year, I won five stages there. Since then, I have learned a lot and the car has progressed well. I have the confidence to attack. The sweeping of the track doesn't worry me. »