Toyota, led by Juha Kankkunen, secured the manufacturers’ title already in October, but the situation in the drivers’ standings remains completely open. Three Toyota drivers still have a chance of winning the World Championship crown, though Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans are the strongest contenders.
Evans heads into the unpredictable gravel roads of Saudi Arabia with a three-point advantage over Ogier. Kalle Rovanperä also retains a theoretical chance of claiming a third career title, but that would require both of his team-mates to falter, as the Finn is already 24 points off the lead.
“Rally Saudi Arabia is going to be very interesting as the final round of the championship. It’s so close now between Elfyn and Seb, and I’m sure it will be a big fight between them. Kalle still has a chance as well, and on a new rally like this, anything could happen,” Kankkunen sums up.
Like the other teams, Toyota has received an advance information package for Rally Saudi Arabia, but the team also has know-how from the spring, when Juho Hänninen drove in the candidate event with Janni Hussi alongside him. Both Hänninen and Hussi have been closely involved this season in Toyota’s WRC team, including in the safety-car groups. The pair’s knowledge of Middle Eastern stages may provide valuable data for the final WRC round of the season.
“We do have some information from the Middle East championship event this year and from what I’ve heard, there should be quite a mix of different stages, with sections similar to roads we have in Greece and other parts that are more open through the desert,” Kankkunen explains.
“There can also be a lot of new things that the team and drivers will need to adapt to during the event. Our goal is to give a strong car to all of our drivers that allows them to fight, and we’ll see which one of them becomes the world champion.”
Rally Saudi Arabia begins on Wednesday with a shakedown and a short opening stage. The rally finishes on Saturday.
