The Central European Rally, held over the weekend, already confirmed that Toyota will not be celebrating the drivers’ championship at the end of the season. This year, the drivers’ title will be won by either Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville or Ott Tänak.
However, the manufacturers’ championship battle will be decided at the end of November during the Rally Japan. Even in that championship fight, Toyota is not in a strong position.
Sebastien Ogier’s third consecutive “black Sunday” hit Toyota hard in Central Europe, and thus Hyundai heads into the final round of the season with a 15-point lead. That’s a big gap to close in just one weekend – perhaps too big.
But as long as there’s a chance, there’s also hope.
“It will require a perfect weekend,” said Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala to RallyJournal.com.
“It needs a one-two finish and success on Sunday, and even on the Power Stage, especially if Hyundai has a solid weekend there,” Latvala continued.
Hyundai would have, of course, preferred the championships to be decided already in Central Europe. Now both titles are still up for grabs, and in a way, this increases Toyota’s chances in the manufacturers’ championship battle.
“There’s also the fact that Hyundai’s drivers are still in an internal battle for the championship. That brings a bit of pressure on them, and they won’t be heading to Japan completely free of pressure. When the pressure is on, mistakes can happen, and that could open up opportunities for us,” Latvala observed.
