With the previous season concluding only at the end of November in Japan, WRC teams have not had a long holiday between rally years, especially considering all the testing from December to January.
“Whenever we come to Monte, it feels like everything is new. However, the break in between is short. It doesn’t quite feel like one season has ended and another is beginning. It just feels like we’re continuing the same series, yet everything has changed,” Latvala said on the eve of the event to RallyJournal.com.
“Everyone starts from zero, and teams’ colours have changed. Even drivers have switched teams. Perhaps here, the new season hits a bit more suddenly.”
Naturally, Toyota’s WRC team aims to start the year 2024 with a victory. The team has a significant advantage with Sebastien Ogier, who has won the event nine times. Ogier, driving in his home rally, is the clear favourite again this year.
“Last season ended with a victory for Elfyn Evans, who was in great form on asphalt in Japan under challenging conditions. This is also Ogier’s home rally and thus suits Elfyn well. I believe, from the drivers’ side, we have all the prerequisites to compete for the win,” Latvala summarised.
“The car should be good, but of course, this is a race where tyres, self-confidence, weather information, and many other factors come into play. All these need to be balanced.”
Although the rally’s base has moved back to Gap for this year, the typical snowy and icy conditions of Monte are not widely expected. However, Latvala notes that the classic event always has surprises in store.
“This Monte might be a bit easier since the weather seems to be quite stable. But here, you must always be prepared for anything. That’s the danger; when you expect good weather, things can ultimately become more difficult, and mistakes can happen,” Latvala pondered.
“There might be some patches of black ice. When the speed increases and you trust too much that it’s dry, even a single icy spot can surprise you. When it’s slipperier and, in that sense clearer, the speed doesn’t get so high.”
Manufacturers’ championship as the top priority
For the 2024, Toyota’s WRC team’s primary goal is the manufacturers’ championship title. With Hyundai securing Ott Tänak in their lineup, the Korean manufacturer has two stars aiming for the drivers’ championship. Toyota’s situation is different now, as Kalle Rovanperä will only participate in selected events.
“It’s true that we have different cards on the table now. If you look at Hyundai, they have two drivers aiming solely for the drivers’ championship. That’s their top priority,” Latvala observed.
“Then it’s also made clear that their third drivers will support these two in the championship battle. On our side, the drivers’ championship fight relies on Elfyn Evans. We haven’t made any particular tactical plans.”
Latvala admits that, compared to Hyundai’s two superstars, Evans is in an underdog position.
“If we compare to Hyundai, we’re at a disadvantage. That’s why I’ve said our target this year is the manufacturers’ championship. That’s our starting point. If the drivers’ championship comes, it will be a tremendous bonus.”
Rally Monte Carlo will start on Thursday evening with two special stages driven in the dark.
