Toyota claimed yet another top result in Japan, as the team swept all three podium places. Sébastien Ogier took victory, taking yet another step closer to a historic ninth world title.
Elfyn Evans, still firmly in the fight for the championship, finished second, while Finland’s Sami Pajari secured his first-ever top-class podium to complete the team’s 1-2-3 finish.
But not all Toyota drivers had reason to smile. Takamoto Katsuta made a serious mistake on Saturday, damaging his car and losing his chance of a podium. Katsuta took the crash very hard, and Kankkunen was needed as a kind of therapist. The experienced rally man embraced the tearful Katsuta, offering much-needed comfort – an important part of a good team principal’s role: being there for his drivers.
“I’ve at least tried my best,” Kankkunen said.
“Taka was a bit upset about it, but that’s part of my job. I understand it. I’ve driven myself, and I know how they feel. You can see it directly in their eyes, how they really feel,” Kankkunen explained.
But amid the disappointment, there was once again plenty of joy – something Toyota has had in abundance this season. The team’s drivers fought brilliantly for victory and the world title throughout the weekend, and that battle will continue right to the end of the season. Evans still leads the drivers’ championship, but Ogier is now just three points behind. And Kalle Rovanperä still has a shot at the title too – the Finn is 24 points adrift of the lead ahead of the season finale in Saudi Arabia.
“It was a really interesting weekend. It was great to see the world’s best drivers fighting for every second,” Kankkunen said.
Kankkunen himself knows a thing or two about title battles – after all, he won an impressive four World Rally Championships during his own career.
“But I have to say, if I were in the same situation, driving would be easier when you’ve got a proper fight going on. It’s never easy, I know that. But in any case, they did a fantastic job – and so did the team with the car preparation,” Kankkunen praised.
Toyota has dominated the World Rally Championship in dazzling fashion this season, but one challenge still remains. The Rally Saudi Arabia is, however, more or less an unknown for everyone.
“Now we’re focusing on preparing the best possible cars for them for Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, the roads will be in good condition – I’ve heard they’re quite rocky and uneven. I just hope there won’t be any technical problems or anything like that which could decide the rally in the wrong way,” Kankkunen anticipated.
“It would be great if the lads could once again have a fair fight for the championship among themselves. We’ll do our best for them,” he added.
