Latvala draws very positive results from Kenya for Toyota

After two victories of Hyundai in Monte-Carlo and Sweden, Toyota managed to reverse the trend by winning the Safari Rally Kenya. Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta even achieved the double with the Yaris Rally1, to the delight of Jari-Matti Latvala.

The Finn, Team Principal of the official Toyota team, therefore draws a good assessment of this rally for his troops. If the performance of Rovanperä and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen is obviously to be commended, Latvala does not forget all the teams who worked on the construction and adjustment of the machines for this weekend.

“I'm very happy, it's our first victory of the season, the first two rallies were difficult. Kalle really dominated the rally from the start. He didn't have any problems all weekend, thanks to the team who built him a good car of course, but he also managed to drive knowing when to attack and when to be more cautious. It was a very good approach on his part. »

Latvala also praises the performance of his Japanese driver, Takamoto Katsuta, who finished second, equaling his best result. It was already at Safari Rally Kenya, during the 2021 edition. Sébastien Ogier won that weekend, giving Toyota another double.

“Looks like this is a rally that Taka loves! It's very good to see him second on the podium because Sweden was a bit of a disappointment. He was very fast there before a small mistake with serious consequences. So it’s very good for him and for the team. »

A “lack of caution” costs Evans dearly

If the picture seems almost perfect for Toyota, we can still detect a shadow, in the form of Elfyn Evans' performance. The Welshman gained momentum throughout the day on Friday, finishing in second position. Unfortunately, he started his Saturday with a puncture on the first special stage of the day. Several other flat wheels disrupted his rally, and he left Kenya with an increased championship deficit over Thierry Neuville. The Belgian was not spared, however, like the entire Hyundai clan this weekend.

“Elfyn also gave a lot, especially because the fight for the title is very important. He didn't have the best rally, partly due to a lack of caution on his part, with the punctures, but it's the rally! We have to move forward, enjoy the moment now before thinking about Croatia. »