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WRC
Latvala ups the ante for 2025, plans return to three full-time cars
© Nikos Katikis / DPPI
As he left the Acropolis a few days ago, it was hard to see an ounce of joy on Jari-Matti Latvala's face. On the rough roads of Greece, Toyota just broke his teeth there. Sébastien Ogier lost his podium, having made a mistake in the Power Stage and Hyundai and especially signed a hat-trick.
A godsend for the South Korean clan, which is heading straight for a third Constructors' title after those of 2019 and 2020, while Toyota is sailing 35 units behind it. In addition to the option taken by Thierry Neuville among the Drivers, leader with 34 points ahead of Ott Tänak now, Sébastien Ogier having fallen back to 3rd place, 38 lengths behind.
« Realistically, for both championships (Drivers and Builders), it's over, Jari-Matti Latvala lucidly summed up. Hyundai find themselves in a position where they will be able to defend their lead in the next three races and there is little chance that we will be able to reverse the situation. We need to change our focus »
And this objective requires a change in Toyota's plans. With Kalle Rovanperä stepping back in 2024 and Sébastien Ogier still in his freelance role, the Japanese manufacturer has placed all its hopes on Elfyn Evan and Takamoto Katsuta. Problem, the Welshman can't do it anymore and the Japanese still can't do it. Far from ideal for the Japanese sporting director who intends to reverse the situation in 2025.
« What I learned this year is that for 2025 we need to field three drivers who compete in all the rounds of the calendar.He says. Have only two (Evans and Katsuta. Ed.) does not work to win the title »
But with what system? Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä full-time while three drivers (Sébastien Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari) could alternate on a third Yaris, or even a fourth. In any case, this last option is not ruled out. We can then have a 4th car for someone who would not compete the full year, " concludes Jari-Matti Latvala. We must therefore expect a busy winter for Toyota, which has the ambition to put the clocks back on time.
ALSO READ > Sidelined for Chile, should Katsuta be worried about his WRC future?
Gonzalo Forbes
In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.
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Grokachu
18/09/2024 at 10:44 a.m.
You got fooled, Jean Marie! You just didn't want to please both sides. The WRC, you either love it or you leave it, as Jordan would say. It's Latvala's stupid management that made Toyota lose the titles. He should jump for that!