Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala believes it could take “an almost perfect” Rally Japan to wrestle the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ crown from Hyundai.
The Japanese marque heads into the season finale on home soil sitting 15 points adrift of rivals Hyundai in the fight for the constructors’ honours.
Toyota has claimed a manufacturers’ and drivers’ title double in each of the last three seasons, but this year it has already missed out on the drivers’ crown which will be claimed by Hyundai drivers Thierry Neuville or Ott Tanak.
This week’s Rally Japan however offers a chance to end the season with silverware although Latvala knows it will require strong performances from its trio of drivers Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Sebastien Ogier.
Such a result has been proven possible on Japan’s asphalt stages after Toyota sealed a 1-2-3 in the event last year.
The team is also in the running to win the WRC2 title with Sami Pajari needing to finish either first or second to deny Oliver Solberg the championship.
“All of the main championships are still to be decided, including in WRC2. We still have a chance in the manufacturers’ championship, and we are very motivated and determined to try and win it in Japan,” said Latvala.
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“It may take almost a perfect weekend from our side, but we achieved that in Chile which gives us confidence that it’s possible, as does our amazing 1-2-3 finish in Japan last year.
“It’s a demanding rally for the drivers and at this time of year the weather can be unpredictable, but this also gives us opportunities.
“Elfyn won there last year and relishes those kinds of conditions, while Seb will want to finish the season on a high and Taka is feeling confident for his home event after his strong finish in Central Europe.
“Lastly, it has been great to see the performance of the GR Yaris Rally2 car this year, together with that of Sami Pajari, and if he can win the WRC2 title in Japan it would be a fantastic story.”
Ogier, a previous winner of the event back in 2010, is keen to turn around his fortunes after errors in each of the last three rounds.
The eight-time world champion agrees that the team will need to deliver strong drives to end the year with a title.
“It’s always exciting to go to Rally Japan, and especially this year given we are still in a fight to try and secure the manufacturers’ title,” said Ogier.
“We know that we are not in the ideal position and we need a close-to-perfect weekend for the team, but it’s definitely not out of reach.
“Our performance recently has been good and on my side, we want to turn around our fortunes and transform that speed into a good result.”
