Toyota strengthened the Yaris for rough conditions

2018 saw the Toyota Yaris excluded on several occasions from the race for victory following technical problems following more or less significant shocks on the special routes of the WRC. Ott Tänak had notably been forced to give up in Portugal after hitting a stone, or had damaged the radiator of his mount when landing jumps in Italy and in Great Britain.

With a view to the next events in Portugal and Sardinia, two events considered difficult, Toyota hopes to have made the necessary progress to allow its three drivers Ott Tänak, Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke to attack without restraint to confirm the victory obtained during the previous Chilean meeting by the Estonian.

“After having encountered beautiful, rather smooth roads in Chile, we will find rougher courses during the next two rallies, notably in Sardinia, explains Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen.

Friday will be a new day for the drivers with special stages around Arganil. The last time the WRC was there was when I won the rally in 2001. It's a difficult area, with many roads that organizers can take.

A lot of work has been done to improve the car for harsher conditions and we had a good test in the north of Portugal a few days ago to prepare ourselves. »

A strengthening work which seems to have met with a favorable opinion from the pilots after the tests carried out. Jari-Matti Latvala hopes in particular to rediscover his taste for the podium, having not appeared in the top 3 since his success in Australia at the end of 2018.

“I think we improved the car in the harsh conditions,” analyzes the Finn. So I'm looking forward to these rallies (Portugal and Sardinia), confident that we have a strong and fast car. »

Title holder among Manufacturers, Toyota also hopes to continue its streak to close the gap on Hyundai, leader of the general classification with 29 units of margin over the Japanese firm before the Portuguese meeting this weekend, which will be followed live and in full on our website.