With the first two rallies of the year having slipped into Hyundai’s camp, the win in Kenya was timely. Although Toyota has often celebrated success in Kenya, team principal Jari-Matti Latvala emphasizes the significance of this victory.
“Our win in Kenya came after a lot of hard work from the whole team, so that result has been really good for the team spirit and gives us even more motivation for the events to come in what is always a very important period for the championship,” says Latvala.
The WRC season continues this week with the fourth round in Croatia. The event has been part of the WRC for three years now, with Toyota clinching victory each time. In 2021, following a dramatic race, Sebastien Ogier took first place, followed by Kalle Rovanperä in the subsequent year, and last season, Elfyn Evans won.
“We have done well in Croatia in the past and we generally have a good feeling to go back there. If it’s dry then the roads there can be very enjoyable to drive, but we know that the weather can also play a big part and make it very difficult,” summarizes Latvala.
“We know that the GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID has been strong on asphalt but we are aware that the competition is making steps forward all the time.”
Rovanperä is not participating in this year’s Croatia Rally as the defending champion is only selecting specific events to compete in. However, Toyota still has two former Croatia Rally winners in their lineup, with Evans and Ogier driving. The third car will be piloted by the Japanese driver Takamoto Katsuta.
“In this event a driver can make a difference if they are confident with the changing grip levels, and that comes from having confidence in the car,” considers Latvala.
“So our aim is to provide our drivers with this confidence and hopefully come away with the most points at the end of the weekend.”
The Croatia Rally kicks off with the Shakedown on Thursday. The event itself comprises 20 special stages, covering over 280 kilometres.
