The Japanese marque sealed its fifth consecutive manufacturers’ title last weekend at the Central European Rally, where Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans delivered a one-two finish for the team.
Toyota has won an incredible 11 of the 12 rallies held so far this season. With that dominant record, it secured the manufacturers’ world championship with two rounds still to go.
“Our team is doing an incredible job, and in every rally giving these boys the best possible car for them to fight,” praised Toyota’s sporting director Kaj Lindström.
“And if I’m truly honest, I’m very happy that that’s now secured, because it looks like they’re going to have a big fight on the remaining events.”
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä are battling each other for the drivers’ world championship. Evans claimed the championship lead at the Central European round, 13 points ahead of Ogier and Rovanperä, who are tied for second.
See the full World Rally Championship standings here!
A year ago, Toyota’s path to the title was not nearly as smooth against Hyundai. Back then, the drivers’ championship went to Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, and the manufacturers’ title was only decided on the final stage of the season – the Power Stage at Rally Japan.
On that occasion, Toyota celebrated the manufacturers’ crown by just three points over Hyundai. This year, the team’s management can relax, with the championship already wrapped up well before the finale.
“Well, again, remembering that blood pressure last year, I prefer this option – it’s way better than last year,” Lindström laughed.
“I think this is a proof of a good team and team spirit. And obviously without good drivers, that’s nothing. So we have the whole package,” the Toyota chief underlined.
The penultimate round of the World Rally Championship will take place in Japan in two weeks’ time, with the season finale in Saudi Arabia at the end of November.
