Toyota for a 3rd victory in Sweden?

If you Rally of Sweden was maintained for the weekend of February 16, the absence of snow forced the organizers to significantly reduce the route. The approach to this unique event will therefore be different and Toyota Gazoo Racing hopes to take advantage of this to score a third success on these lands and respond to Hyundai who won with Thierry Neuville in Monte Carlo.

“Rally Sweden has been successful for the team in the past and we are looking to achieve another top result this season, expresses Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen. There are many questions about the conditions ahead, but I hope that the organizers will be able to offer a rally that is both safe and spectacular. The Monte-Carlo Rally was positive for us as our new recruits seemed very comfortable with the car and I am sure they will perform well in Sweden as well. As we have already seen, position on the road can be very important, but we will have to wait until the last moment to know what awaits us. »

With three victories on Swedish snow, Sébastien Ogier will be one of the favorite contenders for victory even if his last success on this ground dates back to 2016. The Frenchman currently occupies second place in the championship.

“I really like Rally Sweden, says the six-time world champion. It’s a magical event, the only one contested solely on snow, and it’s always special to compete on these roads. I have had good times in the past, but I have been a little further behind in recent years. I think we can partly explain it by my position on the road, because it's very complicated to arrive in Sweden leading the championship. It will be a little different this season and we will see what we can do. »

Toyota will arrive in Sweden with five Yaris for the first time WRC. In addition to the incumbents Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä, the Japanese manufacturer will be represented by Takamoto Katsuta and Jari-Matti Latvala entered privately.