Toyoda: “Toyota might not be in WRC without Latvala”

After confirming the arrival of Sébastien Ogier, Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans at Toyota Gazoo Racing, the president of the Japanese manufacturer wanted to thank his former drivers Jari-Matti Latvala, Ott Tänak and Kris Meeke.

The CEO of the Japanese firm was nevertheless particularly touched by the departure of the Finn who, according to him, was at the origin of the presence of the manufacturer in WRC.

“Jari-Matti, thank you for fighting with us these past three years, expressed the CEO of the manufacturer. When I first visited Finland in 2014, Toyota had not yet decided to return to the WRC. I stayed at the hotel to meet the pilots. Jari-Matti, who was a VW driver at the time, was the first to arrive. When I came to meet you, you welcomed me friendly. While chatting, you noticed that I was someone from Toyota and you spoke enthusiastically about your Corolla and Celica. »

“That’s when I made the decision to come back. We had to return to the WRC as long as such a driver remembering Toyota continued to race. You could say that if I hadn't met such a friendly VW driver, Toyota might not be in the WRC! »

Akio Toyoda is pleased with his decision after seeing the Yaris WRC, whose development was entrusted to Tommi Mäkinen, immediately fight for the top places.

“I was delighted to learn that you would be one of our pilots two years later, continued Akio Toyoda. I didn't expect us to be able to win in our first season. The goal was to finish on the podium the first year. However, you took Toyota to the podium immediately in Monte-Carlo. You then took the top step of the podium in Sweden. It was like a dream. »

“I hope you cherish your Corolla and Celica very much and I hope you remain a Toyota supporter. Keep in touch ", added the CEO of Toyota in the press release, speaking directly to the Finn.

Present for more than a dozen years full-time in the WRC, Jari-Matti Latvala finds himself for the first time without a wheel for next year even if places could be available at M-Sport. The Finn reacted on Twitter by thanking the team and indicating that he “currently working on competing in several rounds of the WRC in 2020”.

Following the announcement of @TGR_WRC I would like, first of all, to thank the team for the 3 great years and the success we shared together. I am currently working on competing in someone #WRC events in 2020. Will keep you posted on that. Big thanks to our fans for your support. pic.twitter.com/IxmPZm84Dw

— Jari-Matti Latvala (@JariMattiWRC) November 27, 2019

The CEO of Toyota also had a few words for Ott Tänak and Kris Meeke, in particular for the Estonian who still allowed the brand to win the Drivers' title this year.