The Japanese manufacturer has celebrated either the drivers’ or manufacturers’ championship – or both -every year since 2018. However, that streak is in jeopardy, as the drivers’ title has already been secured by Hyundai. The Korean manufacturer also leads the manufacturers’ championship by 15 points ahead of this week’s season finale in Japan.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala is, at the very least, pleased that the championship battles will be decided in the final round.
“As one of our home events, Rally Japan is very important for our team and I think it’s going to be a really exciting rally for everyone to follow. Including in WRC2. We still have a chance in the manufacturers’ championship, and we are very motivated and determined to try and win it in Japan” Latvala notes.
In WRC2, Sami Pajari, driving a Toyota, could secure the title if he finishes in the top two in Japan. The manufacturers’ title in the main category is also still possible for Toyota, but it will require a performance akin to September’s Rally Chile, where Toyota triumphed on both Saturday and Sunday, claiming the most points and winning the Power Stage.
“It may take almost a perfect weekend from our side, but we achieved that in Chile which gives us confidence that it´s possible,” Latvala summarises.
“And so does our amazing 1-2-3 finish in Japan last year. It’s a demanding rally for the drivers and at this time of year the weather can be unpredictable, but this also gives us opportunities.”
In Japan, Toyota will have to manage without Kalle Rovanperä, as the Finnish driver’s part-time WRC season has come to an end for this year. The biggest pressure will fall on Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans, but Takamoto Katsuta will also need to deliver.
“Elfyn won there last year and relishes those kinds of conditions, while Seb will want to finish the season on a high and Taka is feeling confident for his home event after his strong finish in Central Europe,” Latvala says.
“Lastly, it has been great to see the performance of the GR Yaris Rally2 car this year, together with that of Sami Pajari, and if he can win the WRC2 title in Japan it would be a fantastic story.”
Rally Japan kicks off with the shakedown in the early hours of Thursday, Central European time.
