The timeline for the major project, however, has been significantly delayed due to an appeal that was lodged by the deadline (June 19). The construction and environmental committee of Jyväskylä had granted an environmental permit for the motorsport centre, but the appeal could delay the project by up to a year.
According to the original plan, Toyota was supposed to start construction on the site this summer. The initial phase of the centre includes the construction of a gravel track for testing, a paved section, and the main technology centre building.
Toyota’s team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, told RallyJournal.com this summer that while the setback is unfortunate, it is by no means a complete surprise. According to Latvala, the mood within the Toyota camp remains confident, as the city of Jyväskylä is strongly backing the rally team’s project.
“Of course, one must anticipate that criticism could and will come from some direction. However, let’s say that this project is being carried out in cooperation with the city of Jyväskylä. The city is supporting us in this endeavour,” Latvala said.
“It brings confidence when we can overcome different challenges together. Without the city’s support, it would certainly be much more difficult.”
Latvala could not estimate how long the appeal might delay the technology centre project. Toyota’s WRC team currently has facilities in the Jyskä district of Jyväskylä, but more space is needed, especially since the team began producing Rally2 cars this year.
“Sure, some delay will certainly come from this, but I haven’t discussed the matter in detail. It’s clear that when an appeal is made, the project is delayed. That’s a given,” Latvala noted.
“Luckily, it won’t bring us down. We have a good location in Jyskä, so the delay isn’t that critical.”
The World Rally Championship is currently on a summer break. The action will resume at the beginning of September with the Rally of Greece.
