Toyota suffered a severe setback in Greece for the second consecutive rally. Hyundai took a 1-2-3 finish in the gravel rally, while each Toyota driver encountered problems throughout the weekend. As a result, Hyundai extended its lead in the manufacturers’ championship to 35 points over Toyota.
Latvala declared after the race that the championship battle was essentially over.
“Yes, it’s over,” Latvala admitted bluntly to RallyJournal.com.
“We have to be realistic. Hyundai won’t make the kind of mistakes necessary under this points system. Both championships are gone. In my opinion, they’re now done and dusted.”
Read more: Jari-Matti Latvala calls it quits: “Yes, it’s over”
There are still three rounds left in the season. A maximum of 165 points are still up for grabs in the manufacturers’ championship, meaning that closing the 35-point gap is theoretically possible. However, for Toyota to reclaim the top spot, Hyundai would need to experience major setbacks.
In the drivers’ championship, Hyundai drivers currently hold the top two positions. Thierry Neuville leads with a 34-point advantage over Ott Tänak. Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier is in third place, just four points behind Tänak. In the drivers’ championship, a maximum of 90 points are still available.
Check out the full WRC points standings here!
While Toyota hasn’t completely lost its chance, their situation is extremely challenging. Latvala has at least shifted his perspective since the Acropolis Rally.
“The last two rallies have not gone our way in terms of our championship ambitions, but we will not give up the fight. We will keep pushing and focus on winning the last three rounds of the season and doing everything that we can to keep the pressure on,” Latvala says.
Next week, the fight for WRC points resumes in the gravel rally of Chile. Toyota will have a strong trio in the competition for manufacturers’ points, with Elfyn Evans joined by part-time drivers Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä.
“Our team is really motivated to do a good result in Chile and with Elfyn, Seb and Kalle we have a very strong driver line-up to fight for the win,” Latvala emphasises.
Rally Chile will take place from 26th to 29th September.
