Toyota’s chairman Akio Toyoda also followed the WRC team’s performance at Rally Monte-Carlo, where the Japanese manufacturer ultimately secured a one-two finish led by Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans. Toyota bagged the maximum haul of 60 points from the event in the manufacturers’ championship.
Ogier made history in the rally as he achieved a milestone tenth win at Monte-Carlo.
“We were able to kick off the 2025 season with Seb’s memorable 10th victory in Monte-Carlo,” enthused Toyoda, who also serves as the chairman of Toyota’s WRC team.
Toyoda had full confidence in the team’s French star even before the competition. The Toyota boss had a peculiar theory to back his belief, which predicted Ogier’s victory.
“Up until 2019, Seb had a streak of six consecutive wins in Monte-Carlo with various teams. Since joining Toyota in 2020, he has alternated between 2nd and 1st place every other year. Given this pattern, I was certain that he would win this year,” calculated the Japanese boss.
At the same time, Toyoda sent Ogier a wish for the future.
“Congratulations on your 10th win in Monte-Carlo! I think it’s time for you to break that pattern and win again next year.”
Ogier, who competes as a part-time driver for Toyota, could not confirm immediately after the rally whether he would return to his home event next year.
Toyota took an early lead over Hyundai at the start of the season, pulling 24 points ahead of their fiercest rival in the manufacturers’ championship.
Toyota has won the manufacturers’ title four times in a row, but last year Hyundai pushed the Japanese manufacturer to the limit. Toyoda hopes that this year Toyota can achieve a more consistent season in the WRC.
“Last season was incredibly enjoyable, as we battled with Hyundai all the way to the final stage of the final round. However, that was just how I felt as a rally fan. As a team member, there were many moments that were quite tough throughout the season,” Toyoda said.
“This year, I want to make it a season that we can enjoy from the bottom of our hearts also as team members. And I want to experience that feeling again at Rally Japan. I believe Jari-Matti (team pricipal Latvala), Juha (deputy principal Kankkunen), all the drivers, all the co-drivers, and everyone in the team will make it happen.”
The next round of the WRC season will be held in Sweden in mid-February.
