Latvala, boss delighted by the performance of his Toyotas at Monte-Carlo: "We couldn't have had a better start"

On the roads of Monte-Carlo, Sébastien Ogier is received 10/10. The Gapençais won his 10th on Sunday Rally Monte Carlo, the ninth in WRC. A very good way to start his season, both for him and for Toyota, who secured the lead in the constructors' standings. With 60 points – 33 of which were won by Sébastien Ogier – the Japanese already have a 24-point lead over Hyundai. An advantage built thanks to the success of the Frenchman, but also thanks to the overall success of the TGR drivers. Elfyn Evans managed to keep his second place despite the pressure ofAdrien fourmaux, while Kalle Rovanperä finished 4th.

« I'm really pleased. We couldn't have had a better start to the season than this.. " rejoices Jari-Matti Latvala, the boss of Toyota. " We got the maximum 60 points as a team, a one-two finish and fourth place overall and Sébastien Ogier's 10th victory at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, which is a truly incredible and unique achievement."

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Katsuta and Pajari, mistakes without consequences

After being challenged until the end of Rally Japan last year, Toyota managed to win a fourth consecutive constructors' title by just three points more than the Koreans. Having come so close to losing its crown, the Japanese manufacturer started 2025 with the desire to strike hard from the start. Before the start of Monte-Carlo, the TGR was counting on Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Kalle Ronvanperä to score points. Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari were not eligible to contribute to Toyota in the constructors' classification, which was fortunate because the two men went off... in the same stage. The Japanese was the first to make a mistake in the first hectometres of SS16, before the Finn, reigning WRC2 champion, imitated him a few kilometres later.

“The conditions were very difficult until the end and the tyre choice was stressful [Sunday] morning because the road was frozen after the forerunners had passed.” analysis Jari-Matti Latvala. “Unfortunately, Sami and Taka went out, and maybe I should have pushed them to make a safer choice, but this rally was first and foremost an experience for them. Together with our other drivers, it went well in the end, so thanks to them. At the same time, it was a very entertaining rally and I think we have an exciting season ahead of us.”

The next round will be held in Sweden (March 14-16), where Toyota was denied victory in the last two editions by Ott Tänak and Esapekka Lappi. It is up to the five Yaris teams to sound the revolt in the wake of double world champion Kalle Rovanperä, winner in 2022 and in pursuit of a third title.

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