Toyota gained nine more points in Latvia than their main rival Hyundai, narrowing the Korean manufacturer’s lead in the manufacturers’ championship to just one point. Kalle Rovanperä was dominant in Latvia, and Sebastien Ogier also performed excellently, finishing in second place.
The only setback for Toyota came on the final Power Stage, where Hyundai’s Ott Tänak managed to beat Ogier by 0.2 seconds, being both the fastest driver of the day and the best in the final stage. This slipped a few points into Hyundai’s camp.
Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, did not dwell on this, despite a touch of historical significance looming with the Rally Finland just under two weeks away.
“Kalle, Jonne (co-driver Halttunen), congratulations on winning two consecutive events! Seb and Vincent (co-driver Landais) finished in second, achieving a one-two finish. With the lots of points they earned, we were able to close the gap to Hyundai, the leading manufacturer, to just one point,” Toyoda praises.
“Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team has been able to return to our home event, Rally Finland, as the championship-leading team every year since 2021. However, we couldn’t make it happen this year. I feel very sorry to our Finnish fans. I hope that many local fans will be able to see us reclaim the top position in the next rally in Finland. There’s not much time left to prepare, but I’m sure that the team will make it for that,” Toyoda states.
Toyoda is already eagerly anticipating the season-ending Japan rally in November.
“I hope that the team will come to our other home event, Rally Japan, as the leading team! Along with all the Japanese fans, I, Morizo, will also be waiting for the team here in Japan.”
