The varying conditions of Rally Monte Carlo presented a real challenge for Toyota’s newcomer. A total of four drivers started with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 car, with Sami Pajari finishing as the best among them.
Pajari placed fifth in the Rally2 cars class, ultimately falling short by just under five minutes from WRC2 class winner Yohan Rossel.
“The goal was the podium, but we didn’t achieve it. Sami was fifth, and he had one really good special stage time, which gave a positive signal. Sami opted for a cautious strategy, not wanting to take risks,” evaluated Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala.
“Clearly, we need to improve. Based on the comments, the car does not feel good when cutting corners and on dirty sections. Otherwise, it’s very easy to drive, but it doesn’t quite fit well on slippery surfaces and cuts yet. The car has not been tested enough. It needs more work,” Latvala admitted.
In the next rally in Sweden, as many as seven of Toyota’s new cars will be participating. The conditions of the competition should suit much better since the car was developed in Finland.
Finnish drivers Sami Pajari, Mikko Heikkilä, and Roope Korhonen will be behind the wheels of the GR Yaris.
“I’m sure the car will be better in Sweden. We’ve done less driving in conditions like Monte Carlo’s. We’ve done more driving on snow, which suits Sami and the other Finns who will be driving there better,” Latvala trusted.
“I believe we’ll be stronger there. But as seen, the competitors are also strong. In this class, two brands (Citroen and Skoda) were driving neck and neck. Even if you get the car right, the drivers make a lot of difference. The differences between the cars are really small,” the Toyota boss emphasized.
Rally Sweden will take place from 15th to 18th February around Umeå. This coming weekend, Toyota’s Rally2 cars will be in action in the Arctic Lapland Rally, which is part of the Finnish Rally Championship.
