For the first time this season, four of Toyota’s factory team Rally1 cars will be at the starting line, with full-season drivers Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta joined by Kalle Rovanperä and Sebastien Ogier in commanding the GR Yaris.
Katsuta will enjoy the Portuguese gravel stages without the pressure of team points, while five-time Portugal rally winner Ogier, two-time winner Rovanperä, and once-top podium finisher Evans are aiming to hit the jackpot for Toyota.
“It will be great to have all four of our drivers with us in Portugal. This year we wanted to bring them all together on at least one rally and this was a good opportunity to do it,” Latvala beams.
“With the new points system, it’s been difficult to make big differences in the manufacturers’ championship so far. In Portugal we will have three drivers that have won the event before, plus Taka who has also been very fast, so it’s a strong line-up for this rally.”
Toyota has celebrated the past four times the rally was held in Portugal, with the last two victories accredited to Rovanperä.
“Kalle has been very successful there the last two years, while Seb has won it five times before. Elfyn’s road position could be more challenging, but he just needs to keep concentrating on maximising his points against his championship rivals,” Latvala contemplates.
“Taka has also been driving very well and has the capability to fight for the podium. But we know the competition will be strong and I’m sure it will be another big fight for the top positions in Portugal.”
The Rally de Portugal starts with a shakedown on Thursday morning. The event will feature a total of 22 special stages, covering just over 337 kilometers.
