Toyota, performance at the rendezvous, not victory

Toyota Gazoo Racing approached the 2019 Monte-Carlo Rally with caution. This strategy was wise, because indeed, the first round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) had many (bad) surprises in store for Tommi Mäkinen’s men. 

Third as in 2017, Ott Tänak came a long way after a puncture suffered Friday afternoon. The Estonian, first leader of the event during the Thursday night specials, had previously been left behind by the duo Sébastien Ogier-Thierry Neuville. 

“I am happy with this podium. Friday evening, I didn't have much hope left. I was surprised to make up so much time on the asphalt in dry conditions (the Saturday). We did a great job on Saturday and Sunday and we should all be proud,” was third in the 2018 championship. 

Nothing is decided yet!
One more stage to go.. #TOYOTA #YarisWRC #RallyMonteCarlo #WRC #Rallying #TGR_WRC pic.twitter.com/h0vvvNUbIf

— TGR World Rally Team (@TGR_WRC) 27th January 2019

The good surprise of this event was the pace of Chris Meeke. Of course, the Northern Irishman only finished sixth, but that's not so bad after two punctures, the discovery of a new co-driver (Sebastian Marshall) and a return to the WRC after eight months of absence ! 

“Kris' performance was impressive for his first rally in our company, emphasizes Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen. I think he sent a signal to everyone for the rest of the season. The service park will keep an eye on him”, especially since the Briton won all five points in the Power Stage Sunday noon.

Statistiquement parlant, les Toyota Yaris WRC ont été les voitures les plus rapides sur l’édition 2019 du Monte-Carl’. “We won nine of the 15 special stages”, specifies Tommi Mäkinen (including 8 for Ont Thank you). 

Jari-Matti LatvalFor its part, there was a symbolic rally. The Finn celebrated his 196th WRC start in Gap (record shared with Carlos Sainz), punctuated by a fifth place. “I wasn't at my best, recognized the experienced Nordic. I'm disappointed to miss fourth place (for only 1”7 behind Sébastien Loeb). 

I realize now that I made a mistake during winter testing. I developed the wrong setting for this rally, explains Jari-Matti Latvala. In fact, my car was understeering too much for my driving style, and the confidence was no longer there. At least we didn't make any mistakes. » 

All in all, it was a clean weekend with no mistakes and a 5th position overall. We have also collected good points to start the season. Just need to work on my confidence to get the full #SISU back! Thank you all for the support this weekend.
See you in @rallysweden #WRC pic.twitter.com/KLdDp7FBJp

— Jari-Matti Latvala (@JariMattiWRC) 27th January 2019

Discover the full report and analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally, produced by our special correspondents in Gap, in issue 2201 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version, and this Wednesday on newsstands.