Toyota’s home rally started on a sour note as both Sebastien Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta suffered punctures on the opening stage Friday morning. However, the day also brought plenty of drama for rivals Hyundai, with Thierry Neuville plagued by a technical issue and Andreas Mikkelsen crashing into a tree on the opening stage of the afternoon.
“We were quite devastated because we already had two punctures in the beginning of the rally. So it was not looking so good for us. I think on the first stage in the engineer’s office, we could see the people were like heads started to go down. It looked like our chances are already gone,” Latvala admitted.
“But it’s been once again, a lot of drama on the event. A lot of things happen for Thierry, having a problem with the car and Andreas went off. So that’s raises up our opportunity in the manufacturers championship title hunt. I would say now the positions we are, they’re reasonable.”
Latvala hopes Toyota drivers can push harder on Saturday. Rally leader Ott Tänak has built a 20-second lead over Elfyn Evans, but it’s crucial for Katsuta to fight his way past Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux into third. Meanwhile, Ogier is just over 20 seconds away from a podium position.
Before Rally Japan, Hyundai led Toyota by 15 points in the standings. If Toyota can get two cars into the top three, the gap could shrink significantly before Sunday’s sprint stages and Power Stage.
“There is still chance. It’s very interesting to see what happens. But obviously we need to stay on the road. It’s very very important. Tomorrow getting clear day it ´s the most important thing. I think then you need to have something on reserve to attack on Sunday. I would say that Saturday you wouldn’t play all your aces on the table but leave something on the Sunday,” Latvala explained.
“If Sebastian can climb up and can challenge with Taka Adrian for more. I think that would be important. Of course if we can challenge Ott but he has been very strong today.”
While the battle for the win could still see twists and turns, Neuville’s issues have opened a door for Tänak to potentially claim the drivers’ title. Saturday’s weather forecast is unsettled, and rain on the stages could make things much more challenging.
“If the weather is not playing any big role, then there is not really easy to catch Ott. But if the weather is coming difficult, and if there is rain then it might open some doors. I think if we can get two cars on top3, then that would be really good,” Latvala concluded.
