Led by Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota heads into the new season as the defending champion. In fact, Toyota’s WRC team has celebrated all championships over the last three consecutive seasons. The goals remain high, but the competition against arch-rival Hyundai is sure to be fierce.
Hyundai has brought Ott Tänak back into its ranks, promising a tight battle ahead. Latvala admits that the main focus is on the manufacturers’ championship.
“We have enjoyed some fantastic success over the last few seasons and we naturally hope to continue this in 2024,” states Latvala.
“We expect an even greater challenge and it will be even tougher to claim all the titles. To win the manufacturers’ championship once again will be our primary target, and if we can achieve the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles too, that would be a really great bonus.”
The legendary Rally Monte Carlo at the start of the season is arguably the most challenging. Toyota has a significant advantage in Monte Carlo, as the nine-time winner Sebastien Ogier opens his rally year at his home event.
“Our team is working hard all the time to develop the car through the season and make it an ever-better car. With Rallye Monte-Carlo, we start with one of the most demanding rallies, and I think a good weekend there can really give you a confidence boost,” summarizes Latvala.
“So Elfyn (Evans) and ‘Taka’ (Takamoto Katsuta) will be trying to make the best possible starts to their seasons, and it’s always exciting to have ‘Seb’ driving with us on his home roads where he has been so strong before.”
Toyota also has much to look forward to in the WRC2, as the team’s new GR Yaris Rally2 car makes its debut. The new vehicle will be driven by Sami Pajari, Stephane Lefebvre, Bryan Bouffier, and Jan Solans.
“We’re also really excited to see the GR Yaris Rally2 in action: after testing we’re feeling confident in the car, but it’s only now in competition that we can really see the level it’s at and gather more feedback for future development,” Latvala reflects.
Rally Monte Carlo starts on Thursday evening with two special stages driven in the dark.
