Toyota has dominated the World Rally Championship throughout the year and celebrated victory in every rally of the season except one. Only in Greece did the win slip away from the team.
In the Central European Rally, which concluded on Sunday, Toyota secured a one-two finish as Kalle Rovanperä claimed victory and Elfyn Evans, who had returned to the top of the championship standings, finished second.
At the same time, Toyota sealed the manufacturers’ title once again – already two rounds before the end of the season. Incredibly, it was Toyota’s fifth consecutive title.
Juha Kankkunen, who once again served as Toyota’s team principal in Central Europe, was extremely proud of his team’s achievement. So proud, in fact, that it was difficult for him to put his emotions into words.
“It’s difficult to find the right words, what to say, but it has been… I have been involved in seven manufacturers’ titles as a driver before, and this was my first one as a team principal,” Kankkunen managed to say.
The battle for the drivers’ championship is still open, but Kankkunen’s goal for the season has already been achieved. It was an emotional moment for the experienced rally man.
“I had tears in my eyes when the boys came to celebrate with me,” Kankkunen admitted.
Toyota’s dominance has been very strong for years, and Kankkunen believes we won’t see anything like it again for quite some time.
“It doesn’t happen very often — not in one decade, maybe not in two, maybe never,” Kankkunen predicted.
Toyota’s team has worked exceptionally well this season, with everyone pulling together.
“it has been a really good year, a good year for us. Everything has worked — from the cooks to the management — and everybody has been pushing 100%. We have a good atmosphere in the team, and the result is right there,” Kankkunen praised warmly.
