Latvala happy to find a competitive Toyota on gravel

Entre le terre et la Toyota Yaris Rally1, ce n’est pas totalement une histoire d’amour. Si Kalle Rovanperä avait réussi à signer trois victoires sur cette surface l’année dernière (Kenya, Estonie et Nouvelle-Zélande), les machines nippones avaient par exemple manqué le podium en Sardaigne ou encore en Grèce où les routes rocailleuses les avaient mis à mal.

It was therefore in uncertainty that Jari-Matti Latvala approached the Rally of Mexico, the first gravel event of the 2023 season. Luckily, the sporting director of Toyota Gazoo Racing was able to count on the experience of a Sébastien Ogier. In great form, the eight-time world champion demonstrated that the Yaris Rally1 has really progressed on this type of surface since he won with almost 28 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville, while teammate Elfyn Evans completed the podium. Enough to make their Finnish boss smile.

« Our engineers did an incredible job of development, as we had doubts heading into this event, he savored after this 3^e round of the season. We didn't have the necessary performance last year in Greece and Sardinia. It was also difficult to have a car so that our drivers could fight for victory.

We have taken steps in the right direction. It's fantastic to win and the icing on the cake is Elfyn (Evans) third place. Additionally, the fourth position of Kalle (Rovanperä) is also good for the title race."

Toyota and its men will have to confirm this renewed form during the next gravel round scheduled for Portugal next May (11-14).

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