The arch-rival Hyundai’s chances in the championship fight are highly theoretical, as Toyota leads the manufacturers’ standings by a huge margin of 125 points. If Toyota manages to maintain a lead of more than 120 points after the Central European Rally, the Japanese manufacturer will secure its fifth consecutive manufacturers’ title.
Even if Hyundai were able to close the gap enough to postpone Toyota’s celebrations beyond Central Europe, a miracle would be required for the Korean marque to take the title. In practice, all of Toyota’s point-scoring cars would have to retire from the rallies in both Japan at the beginning of November and Saudi Arabia a couple of weeks later.
In the manufacturers’ championship table, Toyota is currently second with eight titles, level with Citroën. This season’s crown would lift Toyota to within just one title of Lancia.
“After our good results in South America, we’re in a very good position going into the Central European Rally. We will need a good result if we want to clinch the manufacturers’ championship at the first opportunity,” team principal Jari-Matti Latvala says.
“But at the same time, our drivers don’t need to feel pressure from that side and can focus on their fight for the drivers’ title, which is very tight.”
Latvala predicts another challenging rally in Central Europe. The varying weather conditions and differences in grip will once again present difficulties for the drivers.
“We’ve seen in previous editions that this can be a very difficult rally, especially with the autumnal weather, and driving in three different countries where the character of the roads differs in each one,” Latvala reminds.
“The grip level is changing, there are a lot of cuts which can be muddy, and the mornings especially can be cold. Mistakes can happen easily in these conditions.”
In the drivers’ championship, Toyota holds a triple lead, with Sébastien Ogier ahead by two points over Elfyn Evans. Kalle Rovanperä trails the leader by 21 points.
“Seb, Elfyn and Kalle all still have good chances for the title, but none of them can really afford a non-finish at this stage of the year,” Latvala notes.
“For Taka, this is a chance to get a good feeling on asphalt before Rally Japan, the most important one of the year for him. Sami meanwhile has been building his confidence and performance well lately and he can also be good on asphalt, so I’m sure a strong result could be possible for him too.”
The Central European Rally features a total of 18 special stages, covering just over 300 kilometres. The event kicks off with a shakedown stage on Thursday.
