Toyota’s Rally1 car will feature a new livery at next week’s Rally Portugal, as its black base colour changes to silver.
There is a logical reason behind the change. The upcoming WRC rounds in Portugal, Sardinia and Greece are expected to be run in hot conditions. Silver does not absorb heat as much as black, so the new colour scheme could offer some relief to drivers and co-drivers.
Ogier is more than happy with the switch.
“I like the black livery a lot. It’s very cool. But it’s true that in summer, it’s sometimes been very, very hot in the cockpit,” Ogier said.
“I think it was a request from all of us to try and find a solution to maybe reduce the temperature a little. In that way, it’s nice that the team supported us and went for this livery. It also brings something a bit fresher for the summer, and I’m sure the fans will love it too,” added the eight-time world champion.
Ogier is one of the top favourites to win next week’s gravel event in Portugal. He has won the rally six times – more than any other driver in the event’s history.
Ogier has his sights set high once again as he takes to the gravel roads of northern Portugal in his silver-liveried Toyota.
“I always start every rally aiming for first place, for sure. So first and second after two runs is very good for me. I’m definitely going to do my best to keep it up,” Ogier said.
Ogier won the season-opening Rally Monte Carlo and finished second in the recent asphalt rally in the Canary Islands. Despite competing in just two events so far this season, the part-time Toyota driver sits fourth in the WRC standings ahead of Rally Portugal.
Check the current WRC standings here!
Watch the video below of Ogier’s test ahead of Rally Portugal:
