In the previous round in Portugal, Sebastien Ogier was leading before the final day of the competition. On Sunday, Ogier focused on securing his first place, but Toyota lost crucial points in the manufacturers’ championship battle. Hyundai took the most points from the event and moved to the top of the manufacturers’ standings.
Under the current points system, provisional “big” points are awarded based on the overall standings on Saturday evening. On Sunday, separate daily points and additional points for the Power Stage are contested.
Now Ogier is once again leading the competition in Sardinia at the end of Saturday. According to Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, a serious discussion regarding points has been held with Toyota’s “part-time driver” Ogier.
“We have discussed this matter with him. He knows it. If you look at previous years, he can also drive flat out on Sundays.”
“It must be remembered that Ogier is very smart. He doesn’t drive flat out if he doesn’t have to. But he also understands the situation when points are needed. Now the team needs points,” Latvala emphasized to RallyJournal.com.
Based on Saturday’s results, Toyota is set to receive 28 points, the same as Hyundai. Sunday’s results will determine which team secures the largest points haul from the Mediterranean island.
Latvala hopes that Toyota driver Elfyn Evans, who is second in the championship, can find his attack mode. Evans, currently fourth in the competition, has a great opportunity to catch up with Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, who went off the road on Saturday.
“This situation opens up opportunities for Elfyn in the drivers’ championship. If everything goes well on Sunday, overall, there’s a chance to make it a good weekend,” Latvala said
