Toyota wants to accumulate experience on the Monte-Carlo Rally

The return of Toyota, après une absence de 17 ans en Mondial, sera l’une des attractions de la première manche du WRC next week at Rally Montecarlo.

The Japanese brand has entrusted its program to the structure of Tommi Mäkinen, four-time world champion (1996-1999) and four-time winner of the Monaco classic (1999-2002).

An experience that the Finn wishes to pass on to his compatriots Jari-Matti Latvala and Juho Hänninen, who will drive the Yaris WRC. However, performance will not be the primary objective of the boss of Toyota Gazoo Racing, who above all wants his drivers to see the finish.

“Our goal is to get good mileage during this rally, so I will be happy if we have both cars at the finish and finishing in the same minute as the leaders, explains the former Mitsubishi driver.

This would be a great way to continue our development, which is an ongoing process. As we say at Toyota, we must continually improve: we want to make the car always better. »

Jari-Matti Latvala also remains cautious, he who will be the leading driver of the Japanese team, having been recruited after the end of the Volkswagen program.

“This season is all about development, recognizes the Finn. For Monte-Carlo, I would like to finish the event. Maybe around the middle of the season we can start thinking about podiums.

Monte Carlo is so unpredictable that it is not a good idea to set too many goals. In 2015 I didn't have a particular plan and finished second, and in 2016 I was aiming for the podium and ended up making a mistake! »

Toyota has won the Monte-Carlo three times, in 1991 (Carlos Sainz), 1993 (Didier Auriol) and 1998 (Carlos Sainz).