Toyota under pressure at home? “We feel responsible for trying to win,” says Ogier

To Toyota, the 2023 season is already full of success: the Japanese firm won the Drivers' title with Kalle Rovanperä, and the Manufacturers' title earlier in the year. Add to that the victory at Rally of Finland, very close to the TGR WRT facilities, as well as the numerous victories of Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, and you get a near-perfect record.

Almost, because there is still one trophy to go for, and it is dear to Toyota: that of the winner of the Rally of Japan. The manufacturer has never won on its land: it should be noted that the event was not present on the calendar WRC only between 2004 and 2010 – a time when Toyota was not in the WRC – and has only returned since 2022.

If the overall stakes of this Rally of Japan are not of capital importance, Toyota has the firm ambition to win in front of its public. A desire which adds a certain pressure on the four crews entered in Rally1 in the Land of the Rising Sun. Sébastien Ogier, who will be competing in his 8th and final rally of the season, confides that a certain amount of expectation rests on his shoulders and those of his teammates.

A victory in Japan “ would mean a lot” for Toyota

“It’s always a special event, the national team rally, declared the eight-time world champion. As a driver, you feel responsible to try to win. We know there will be a lot of fans watching Toyota. Last year the support was incredible, there were so many people, so many fans. Winning at home would be special. We know the team's main goals [the world championship titles] have been achieved, but this [victory at Rally Japan] would mean a lot and that's what we will try to do. »

Last year, Toyota was beaten at home by its rivals, Hyundai, with the victory of Thierry Neuville. The Belgian remains on a victory during the Central European Rally, “facilitated” by the accident of Elfyn Evans and the management of Kalle Rovanperä. The latter will start first on Friday, a position which should not advantage him according to Sébastien Ogier. “We saw last year that it's normally a rally where the starting position doesn't really affect the ropes. Road conditions should remain stable and we hope to be able to fight. »

The French driver, winner three times in 2023 out of the seven events in which he participated, can improve his ratio of victories per rally to 50% in the event of success in Japan. Fifth in the championship despite his absence from five meetings, Sébastien Ogier will above all be keen to have fun for the last part of the season, he who had experienced an ordeal from the start of the Central Europe Rally with a puncture while being sick. Small advantage for the Habs: he is the only one, with obviously Thierry Neuville, to have already won the Rally of Japan in 2010, with Citroën.

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