Toyota arrives on familiar ground for this last round of the year. Rally Japan (November 21-24) will be the opportunity for the Japanese firm to save its season: if the Drivers' title will necessarily go to a driver Hyundai - Thierry Neuville ou Ott Tänak – the Constructors’ title is not yet decided. The Japanese clan nevertheless has a 15-point deficit against their Korean rivals. A handicap far from insurmountable but which will require a faultless weekend and an exceptional result from the three Toyota drivers… as in 2023.
Last year, Toyota had achieved a sublime treble on home soil, with Elfyn Evans winning ahead of Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä. The Japanese manufacturer even placed its four Yaris in the Top 5 with Takamoto Katsuta's 5th place. A feat that Toyota intends to repeat next weekend to seek a fourth consecutive Constructors' title.
“Rally Japan is very important for our team and I think it will be an exciting rally for everyone, says Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Team Principal. All the major championships are still to be decided, including WRC2. We still have a chance in the Constructors' Championship, and we are very motivated and determined to try to win it in Japan. It might take a near-perfect weekend, but we achieved it in Chile, which gives us confidence that it is possible, just like our incredible result (1-2-3) in Japan last year.
Toyota drivers motivated to finish in style
This year, even in the absence of Kalle Rovanperä, Jari-Matti Latvala believes that his three drivers will be keen to end this 2024 season on a high note, having all had a disappointing or frustrating campaign. “It’s a demanding rally for the drivers and at this time of year the weather can be unpredictable, but it also gives us opportunities. Elfyn [Evans] won here last year and enjoys these conditions, while Seb [Ogier] will be looking to finish the season on a high and Taka [Katsuta] is feeling confident about his home rally after his excellent result in Central Europe, underlines the former Finnish pilot. Finally, the performance of the GR Yaris Rally2 this year, as well as that of Sami Pajari, has been remarkable and if the latter can win the WRC2 title in Japan, it will be a fantastic story.
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