TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[dimviii]

Can the car be developed without jokers?

yes it can be developed,but you cant have big evolution without jokers.

[steve.mandzij]

VW did it in their first...But VW made a car for the regulations they were going to enter with and took a year off with a future world champion to develop their car.

Toyota had to make a 2017 spec car after developing the 2016 spec car for years with Hanninen as their test driver and without having had a S2000 car as a base (if the Skoda counts for VW).

Still, VW was impressive and dominant from the start, that much is true.

[Barreis]

with Ogier behind a wheel. and that's the difference ;)

[stefanvv]

But VW made a car for the regulations they were going to enter with and took a year off with a future world champion to develop their car.

Toyota had to make a 2017 spec car after developing the 2016 spec car for years with Hanninen as their test driver and without having had a S2000 car as a base (if the Skoda counts for VW).

Still, VW was impressive and dominant from the start, that much is true.

If You count the car generations as a fresh start, then M-Sport did a legendary job with semi-private team effort. But as Barreis said above it's one driver that can make the whole difference.

[Tarmop]

Like any other Toyota, it`s just a facelift, apart from that it has been around for a while...

[pantealex]

VW did it in their first...

Yes
and Hyundai never.

[deephouse]

VW did it in their first...

With so much competition around them.

[Tarmop]

Someone said somewhere, that Toyota will use one joker in 2019, according to Fowler, they will use all three with first one introduced for Mexico.

[EstWRC]

it was me, it was an interview with Ott around Rally Wales time or smth like that. im too lazy to search it.

but you know well that estonian reporters quite often get lost in translation. so it can easily be a mistake.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Congrat's to NOT's Village Team! The only silver-ware in their Barn! :D :D :D

[Revman]

In the two years that I have been cram studying this sport--and loving every aspect of it--I think one of the most intriguing stories will be Tommi's impact on Meeke. I absolutely love Meeke. I think Tommi will have a big impact on him. This may be the WRC story of the year IMO.

[mknight]

Imo co-driver driver change is more important. Tommi is more about not kicking him when he crashes.

[EstWRC]

speedwise i think he will give Tänak and Latvala run for their money...especially on tarmac rallies.

consistency is another topic regarding Meeke but with Toyota maybe he can achieve it.

[dimviii]

speedwise i think he will give Tänak and Latvala run for their money...especially on tarmac rallies.
.

i dont think so,specialy for Tanak

[Rallyper]

So let´s sum up this in the 2019 crystal ball topic, later on...

[WUff1]

Katsuta on selected events with Yaris WRC, new co-driver is Daniel Barrit.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2018/12/19/katsuta-bekommt-evans-beifahrer-und-wrc-einsaetze/

[AnttiL]

https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000005942657.html?ref=rss

Again Mäkinen saying they will use all three homologation jokers next year (contrary to what was said earlier in this thread about them saving jokers for 2020)

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwTILNNWoAA9RBY.jpg


https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1082209914460753920

[Fast Eddie WRC]

speedwise i think he will give Tänak and Latvala run for their money...especially on tarmac rallies.

consistency is another topic regarding Meeke but with Toyota maybe he can achieve it.

It will be interesting if Meeke is competitive with Tanak in the Yaris. It would show how fast the car is compared to the others.

[tommeke_B]

With that photo it seems like Toyota will keep the same livery.

[pantealex]

With that photo it seems like Toyota will keep the same livery.

Hard to change because it´s GAZOO RACING livery.

[EstWRC]

How Toyota plans to dominate the 2019 WRC season

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-rally-dominance-2019-car/4320405/

nice article with Tom Fowler explaining the coming updates and etc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How Toyota plans to dominate the 2019 WRC season

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-rally-dominance-2019-car/4320405/

nice article with Tom Fowler explaining the coming updates and etc

Excellent piece by David Evans giving the historical context of Toyota's previous WRC team and cars.

[mknight]

It will be interesting if Meeke is competitive with Tanak in the Yaris. It would show how fast the car is compared to the others.

Kind of puzzled tbh. Aren't Tanak and Latvala more than good indicators? Going by both of them Yaris was similar to the other cars in first half of 2018, faster on most surfaces in second half.

As written in the interview the only place they seem to struggle is rough gravel (Turkey, Sardinia, Portugal) where they have to go with more "safe" setup that gives less traction. (or alternatively you could say that the "normal" gravel setup is too risky - ref. GB where they were on the sumpguard on ever other corner).

Meeke is not really a candidate for a stable (performance wise) driver; when everything works (or he risks) he is top3, when not 8+. Also C3 before/during multiple changes is not a good reference.

[Gregor-y]

How Toyota plans to dominate the 2019 WRC season

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-rally-dominance-2019-car/4320405/

nice article with Tom Fowler explaining the coming updates and etc


Toyota grew into a dominant force with an outstanding roster of drivers, inventive engineers and a spectacular resource from the mothership.

History, it appears, is about to repeat itself.

How can he write that article without even mentioning Toyota's most memorable inventive engineering?
Talking about history repeating itself just begs the question.

[RAS007]

How can he write that article without even mentioning Toyota's most memorable inventive engineering?
Talking about history repeating itself just begs the question.


Quite. I found it amusing that the history lesson stopped in 1994, before the real engineering inventiveness really began!

[Allez Andruet]

How can he write that article without even mentioning Toyota's most memorable inventive engineering?
Because you only have limited amount of space for history recollection in a story that is primarily about the upcoming season. Selective? Could be, but let's also note that the story didn't mention the Corolla WRC either, which undeniably would have to be considered as a success story.

[T16]

It will be interesting if Meeke is competitive with Tanak in the Yaris. It would show how fast the car is compared to the others.

What do you mean exactly?

[spiderem]

Very rare that an article written today would have even a hint of criticism of a team if the journalist wants any more access and free lunches in hospitality. Read a book recently that was an official history of the Citroen rally team and it didn't even feature a picture of the BX 4TC so Evans was hardly going to mention Toyota's turbos was he?!

Which turbos? ;)

[stefanvv]

Which turbos? ;)

"Smart" engineered ones after Auriol said driving ST205 is like driving a bus.

[seb_sh]

Plenty of things left out of that article, I don't think it's such a big deal. Don't need to bring that up every time, especially not in an article that previews a season. If they did an article titled "This manufacturer cheated 25 years ago, will they do it again in order to dominate?" everyone would say they're just shit stirring and click baiting.

[Gregor-y]

It's a sad state of journalism if a reporter has to be that cloying without writing writing a paid advert. If you don't want to mention the turbo don't get all grandiose about the Celica. And I suppose the Corolla couldn't have been mentioned without implying the fact it was a comeback after Toyota was caught.

[GravelBen]

Very rare that an article written today would have even a hint of criticism of a team if the journalist wants any more access and free lunches in hospitality.

I wonder sometimes what proportion of articles (not just motorsport, anything with lots of money involved) are actually just ghost-written by PR departments for journalists to put their name on. Must be a few.

[Allez Andruet]

If you don't want to mention the turbo don't get all grandiose about the Celica.
Actually, that Celica wasn't even mentioned in the story.

[tomhlord]

A huge amount of misunderstanding about the article here. Thankfully, livery launch and Monte Carlo are coming soon. An idle mind is the devil's workshop.

[Hartusvuori]

It's a sad state of journalism if a reporter has to be that cloying without writing writing a paid advert.

Would you pay for an independent, objective and arguably good quality online rallying journalism?

[Rally Power]

Yep, the piece seems to be written in glorifying mode (Evans forgot to mention that Toyota only become WMC after Lancia pull out and since 2016 the biggest car maker is believed to be VW), but somehow it’s fair to underline Toyota rally achievements and contribution for the sport. Btw, no one knows if Toyota will manage to dominate in 2019 (getting both titles) but we can surely hope the others manus will give them a heck of a fight. Bring on MC Rally!

[Gregor-y]

Would you pay for an independent, objective and arguably good quality online rallying journalism?

I'm happy with this forum, but if there was real reporting, sure. Look at all the other pay services out there. I only worry all the best reporting would need to be translated from Finnish.

[EstWRC]

old rear aero pics for presentation

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49844920_666363047099217_8057447819406999552_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=4f185c880647b1bc6804cbfb38bcd706&oe=5CC51234
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49696236_666363087099213_29476704149831680_o.jpg?_ nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=fefaed060dd9d969d95a858e883e6d5d&oe=5CCEE554
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50103875_666363183765870_648536428153667584_o.jpg? _nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=36f8097c73e8b7bc70b3a01453322566&oe=5CD68A7A
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49898382_666363320432523_2380510006337339392_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=a0048031e8a86f99a12b66b94dd2520a&oe=5CB615AE
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49834116_666363393765849_1918454280717598720_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=56b9fc8f8a8804671452c1879215caf9&oe=5CCB3908
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/50000503_666363470432508_5628263537114611712_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=4b41f048b1225a28530e198aa4699635&oe=5CB6A961
https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49949573_666363593765829_4872451474585550848_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ht=scontent-arn2-1.xx&oh=bf18f5a80f0e98d61ed936c567923171&oe=5CD56D23

[Revman]

Beast. Let's go!!!!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Like with Citroen, Toyota press photos also have their car in gravel-spec and wheels.

M-Sport car looks with better with tarmac-spec & wheels, never mind its nicer livery.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ott Tanak now prepared for title tile after 'rookie' year with Toyota...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/140997/tanak-now-prepared-for-title-tilt-after-EUR~rookieEURTM-year

[pantealex]

TGR will built brand new car for Katsuta but Grönholm will drive it in Sweden.

Same spec as other 3 are using 2019.

[Andre Oliveira]

Toyota registered 9 cars in Estonia. SP 1003 -> SP 1011

[pantealex]

Toyota registered 9 cars in Estonia. SP 1003 -> SP 1011

They had to chance their previous Finland plates every year, so this is easier solution for them now.

[EstWRC]

and here they are on their way to Monte Carlo https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1085926103909367808

[EstWRC]

The Toyota WRC team missed the planned change in a couple of days

https://translate.google.ee/translate?hl=et&tab=wT&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallit.fi%2Ftoyotan-wrc-tiimi-missasi-autoon-suunnitellun-muutoksen-parilla-paivalla%2F

[EstWRC]

Mäkinen confirms that they gonna use the stronger rims from Corsica on. Those weigh 300 grams more, 1.2kgs in total but he says it doesnt effect the performance.

Says they should have used those already in Monte.

[Revman]

Mäkinen confirms that they gonna use the stronger rims from Corsica on. Those weigh 300 grams more, 1.2kgs in total but he says it doesnt effect the performance.

Says they should have used those already in Monte.

Same manufacturer?

[Mirek]

Mäkinen confirms that they gonna use the stronger rims from Corsica on. Those weigh 300 grams more, 1.2kgs in total but he says it doesnt effect the performance.

It certainly has an effect on performance. The question is only how big. For sure nothing we could be able to recognize without direct comparison and very precise data.

[EstWRC]

Same manufacturer?

I guess yes since they used those at rally Germany last year.

[Morte66]

When I was watching the stage they interviewed Ogier at the end and he said something like "I did not cut aggressively on this stage because I don't want to get puncture". A few minutes later, the commentator said "I'm hearing that Meeke is stopped on the stage" and my heart sank. Well, I thought, there is the difference between Ogier and Meeke in a nutshell. Both are blistering fast, but Ogier is wise.

But I watched the onboard where Meeke got his broken rim. He didn't seem to do anything terribly unusual, a cut with a 10-15cm drop off the side of the asphalt. He made cuts like it before and after, and other people made similar cuts in their onboards. Perhaps he was persistently cutting a little more than the others and he weakened the rim gradually, getting the failure the others didn't. Or perhaps it was just luck.

[stefanvv]

When I was watching the stage they interviewed Ogier at the end and he said something like "I did not cut aggressively on this stage because I don't want to get puncture". A few minutes later, the commentator said "I'm hearing that Meeke is stopped on the stage" and my heart sank. Well, I thought, there is the difference between Ogier and Meeke in a nutshell. Both are blistering fast, but Ogier is wise.

When it comes to this situation when Ogier has been cautious with the cuts, the most significant case I remember in short terms is Germany '17 when Neuville broke his suspension. In the same corner Ogier did the full turn on the asphalt despite there was clear sign many drivers take this deep cut some even with all 4 wheels off the road, which probably cost him no less than 2 seconds. There must be some "insurance" in his notes for more risky corner cutting, more than other drivers.

[Mirek]

Plenty of times those farther behind are forced to cut more by those front runners who bring the dirt on the road. Those at the back often don't have the luxury of choice like the first one has.

[tommeke_B]

Watching the cuts these drivers are often taking, it's surprising there aren't more punctures and more occasions where things get damaged. It's better to have as little unsprung mass as possible, so lighter wheels are faster. But for 300gr/wheel, maybe it's more interesting to have the stronger wheels, even if it's only for giving the drivers more confidence.

[Revman]

How does this wheel selection work? Does a team have a variety of choices of weight, etc. How many wheel manufacturers are there? I checked the O.Z. website, and I think I saw something in the neighborhood of that manufacturer supplying 90% of the WRC field. Is this correct? ....and why are the wheel specs not standard? Are they not in other forms of motorsport?

[Tarmop]

Like your normal roadcar, cars need different ET etc. Otherwise they are all similar, exactly the same height and width, all need to have the same tires mounted on the rims At the moment i think all 4 use OZ. Like Mäkinen said, they have and have used reinforced tarmac wheels in ADAC, prmised to start using them in the future.

[pantealex]

why are the wheel specs not standard? Are they not in other forms of motorsport?

Size is standard by regulations: Gravel 7"x15" and Tarmac 8"x18" but like in all other motorsports make and model is free.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.rallit.fi/tommi-makinen-paljastaa-puuppolassa-kehitetaan-uusi-ralliauto/

Was this here somewhere already? Tommi confirming that the R5 is coming, but everything about the schedule is so Mäkinen-esque that you can't really tell whether the car is ready to race tomorrow or still on the drawing board. My two cents would be on the first option. I think the car is more ready than what has been believed.

[ToughMac]

https://www.motor1.com/news/316346/2020-toyota-yaris-hatchback-debuts/

And whenever he is ready to release the car to the public I do believe it will be this body shape, the new Yaris for 2020. Also to note, ignore the date stamp on that article as this looks like the real deal!

[pantealex]

https://www.motor1.com/news/316346/2020-toyota-yaris-hatchback-debuts/

And whenever he is ready to release the car to the public I do believe it will be this body shape, the new Yaris for 2020. Also to note, ignore the date stamp on that article as this looks like the real deal!

NO, Toyota is selling current Mazda2 as Toyota in USA. (car in those pictures)

Toyota R5 could be some other model than Yaris...

[EstWRC]

i know im writing this on emotion right now but....

so sick of these punctures, alternator, driveshaft, brake and other sick dog issues.

whats the point of the fastest car when it breaks every time the stages are little rougher, the list of problems they had on this rally is just ridiculous, more than some other teams have with whole season.

something needs to be done fast.


Citroen with only 3 points less than them tells a lot with basically only Ogier carrying them

[cali]

i know im writing this on emotion right now but....

so sick of these punctures, alternator, driveshaft, brake and other sick dog issues.

whats the point of the fastest car when it breaks every time the stages are little rougher, the list of problems they had on this rally is just ridiculous, more than some other teams have with whole season.

something needs to be done fast.


Citroen has only 3 points less than them tells a lot with basically only Ogier carrinyg themSadly I feel the same although the car itself is fast but speed is sacrificed with reliability...

[Pršljen]

Something definitely needs to be done because car has zero reliability although being the fastest one for most of the time. In this manner, it will ruin every driver's chances for a good long term result and they will definitely lose the WCC. In Tanak's place and if nothing changes, I would definitely double think before resigning for TGR.

[deephouse]

Something definitely needs to be done because car has zero reliability although being the fastest one for most of the time. In this manner, it will ruin every driver's chances for a good long term result and they will definitely lose the WCC. In Tanak's place and if nothing changes, I would definitely double think before resigning for TGR.

Where would he go, to Citroen? Get real

[Pršljen]

Where would he go, to Citroen? Get real

You get real. He is 30+ points behind after only 5 rallies. Let's how the season unfolds but this doesn't look any good. Neither for Toyota nor Ott.

[Tarmop]

Where would he go, to Citroen? Get real

M-Sport? They are waiting for him with open arms, if he chooses.

But it is not so tragic at the moment as it seems, just upseting. There are 9 rallies to go. If these problems come back to haunt again, then it is quite bad indeed.

[Allez Andruet]

Ofcourse it's still early to say, but the signs are there; this is alarmingly starting to look like third consecutive year for TGR, in which they lose their bid for the drivers title mainly due to technical issues.

For Tänak I guess the temptation of a M-Sport return for 2020 is growing rally by rally...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Things can change very quickly. Everyone was virtually handing Tanak the 2019 Title a few weeks ago....

As for where he can go... M-Sport. ;)

[Tarmop]

It is yes, especially when you think about the 8 mil. euros profit that TGR WRT running made...a bit more should have gone into development, especially in the areas that tend to fail for a third year in a row.

Eddie, always like that, last year he was said to be out of the fight after Sardegna or something like that...hell, someone suggested even after rally Sweden win, that this means 0. :D

[mknight]

M-Sport? They are waiting for him with open arms, if he chooses.



Yes that's the only real possibly and imo it might be quite real. M-Sport was saying how they were continuing development and aiming for signing "top driver" next year. There is only one guy without contract who can without any doubt be called "top driver" atm.

Btw. after SS10 (fastest stage on Saturday) Tanak was asked about Toyota being so fast on these stages (Neuville said so) and he basically said "just my Toyota is so fast". The wording was a bit different but the message was similar to Neuville's comment at this very rally in 2017.

EDIT: He says it in the media zone before service on Saturday. On alllive it's on "SS13" 6:20 in. Tanak says "it's only my car. So it looks like the guys have done a good job, just with my car".

----------------

About the "reliability":
I have been saying this since GB last year that they often seem to run very "risky" setups. Low rideheight, crashes down trough the very soft suspension etc. With all those impacts it's not surprising things break. Recent example is Tanak cracking windscreen here on Friday then a bit later the driveshaft failed (also on front).

When they didn't do this kind of risky setup (in Turkey), they didn't have speed at all though.

[Pršljen]

When they didn't do this kind of risky setup (in Turkey), they didn't have speed at all though.

And Tanak won anyway. In a rough rally like Turkey, Argentina and even Mexico, they should maybe sacrifice speed with a safer setup.

[Tarmop]

Well...apart from last years Turkey, hasn`t been a key to success in Mexico and Argentina and wasn`t this year. The end result would be like it was today, except with no chance for a "lucky" win.

[Norm75]

And Tanak won anyway. In a rough rally like Turkey, Argentina and even Mexico, they should maybe sacrifice speed with a safer setup.

Post #522 in this thread has a link to an autosport article with an interview with one of Toyota's techs. They know they risk performance and safety with setup.

[Oliverk]

https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/58594797_2239247119457201_2214695771603730432_n.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=d6e32013e43e3a2ebe1a81044b715a43&oe=5D3497C3
Looks like some fan wanted to offer a solution to alternator problem. But nobody home on sunday.

[N.O.T]

lol... that village finnish team is becoming an internet joke...

lets see when the autistic japanese bosses wake up and kick the money leeches out of the team.

[EstWRC]

estonian press doesnt leave Tommi alone and they wanted more specific answer to yesterdays retirement cause. Tommi didnt say much but his answer is: "The problem was in electrical system, not alternator" followed by his typical comment "it will be solved"

[Allez Andruet]

estonian press doesnt leave Tommi alone and they wanted more specific answer to yesterdays retirement cause.

Total waste of time. Understandable answers and Mäkinen is just an impossible combination.

[deephouse]

Total waste of time. Understandable answers and Mäkinen is just an impossible combination.

hahaha true. He literally says nothing just smile. In his lifetime career working around the world he could at least get some decent instructor to teach him English 😂

[AnttiL]

Tommi should get into the politics, he's so good at answering around the question and talking without saying anything.

[Allez Andruet]

He literally says nothing just smile. In his lifetime career working around the world he could at least get some decent instructor to teach him English 😂

And it's not only due to language barrior. He has that amazing ability to speak without saying anything specific also in Finnish.

[jparker]

And it's not only due to language barrior. He has that amazing ability to speak without saying anything specific also in Finnish.So, he is the perfect manager in such sircumstans :)

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[jparker]

Well, if Toyota wasn't that damn fast, nobody would have know the name Tanak. I have the feeling that he likes to show off, hence he likes it that way.
... and BTW, one should become champ, and then start to make movies ;)

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Well, if Toyota wasn't that damn fast, nobody would have know the name Tanak. I have the feeling that he likes to show off, hence he likes it that way.
... and BTW, one should become champ, and then start to make movies ;)

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/227/689/ef8.jpg

[N.O.T]

Well, if Toyota wasn't that damn fast, nobody would have know the name Tanak. I have the feeling that he likes to show off, hence he likes it that way.
... and BTW, one should become champ, and then start to make movies ;)

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

you autism shows...

back to the hole you crawled out from...

[jparker]

Tanak chasing 2019 titlehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190429/399ab88f66f103c53bc1e8d2c7330d91.jpg

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[jparker]

Oops, wrong picture. That's N.O.T in action

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[OHL]

Tanak chasing 2019 titlehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190429/399ab88f66f103c53bc1e8d2c7330d91.jpg

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

Except that Ott has done very little of what is called "crashing." He has been fantastic and almost dominant, but the car has let him down on several occasions. Your comment is confusing. What do you think Ott has done that causes you to think he is a showoff and has caused his own problems?

Bold claim: JML would have won the championship in 2017 if the Yaris was more reliable. Tänak would have won last year as well. Electrical and suspension related problems seem to continually plague the Yaris. How is this the drivers' fault?

[cali]

Except that Ott has done very little of what is called "crashing." He has been fantastic and almost dominant, but the car has let him down on several occasions. Your comment is confusing. What do you think Ott has done that causes you to think he is a showoff and has caused his own problems?

Bold claim: JML would have won the championship in 2017 if the Yaris was more reliable. Tänak would have won last year as well. Electrical and suspension related problems seem to continually plague the Yaris. How is this the drivers' fault?Why do you bother with him?

[deephouse]

Bold claim: JML would have won the championship in 2017 if the Yaris was more reliable. Tänak would have won last year as well. Electrical and suspension related problems seem to continually plague the Yaris. How is this the drivers' fault?

No Neuville would won it if he wouldn't rip off that wheel at SS in Sweden...

[wrc2017]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143075/makinen-fixing-small-problems-key-for-toyota

[bomber21]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143075/makinen-fixing-small-problems-key-for-toyota

“As well as suffering water-related misfires, the Toyotas all suffered brake problems ranging from pad knock-off to a mysterious seized piston on Meeke's car.

The lack of brakes caused Meeke to run wide and hit a rock, but hitting the rock freed the piston and brought the brakes back.”

Amazing if true...

[steve.mandzij]

Bold claim: JML would have won the championship in 2017 if the Yaris was more reliable. Tänak would have won last year as well. Electrical and suspension related problems seem to continually plague the Yaris. How is this the drivers' fault?

I'm glad I'm not the only insane person that thinks this :) Latvala was clearly in the championship battle going into Poland. If the car hadn't broken down he'd have scored points for third (or second) in Poland, points for first in Finland, and likely points in Spain and Germany. And, considering his theoretical championship chance come Australia, he probably wouldn't have crashed out on the PS.

Shamefully something must have gone askew somewhere because his past two seasons haven't been so good.

I'm excited to see whether Latvala can take a win in Finland this year. Both Finland and Sweden used to be his territory but Tanak took them both last year. Luckily he drove really well in Argentina, so I don't think it's such a far fetched hope.

[denkimi]

we can only image how dominant that yaris must have been in 2017 to make even latvala look good. with some good drivers they would have easily won both the constructor and the drivers championship.

[er88]

Latvala would've been in the championship battle for a lot longer granted, but he wouldn't have won it in 2017. Neuville lost that title. And to expect Latvala to cope with the pressure in a battle with Ogier and Neuville going into the last few rounds, is a pipe dream. He'll never win a title and his pace has fallen away over the last few years.

[Allez Andruet]

And to expect Latvala to cope with the pressure in a battle with Ogier and Neuville going into the last few rounds, is a pipe dream. He'll never win a title and his pace has fallen away over the last few years.
It doesn't matter what has happened since. Who knows, maybe Ogier would have taken it anyway. But the thing is, that in 2017, if ever, JML was in title-winning form. Shame that TGR wasn't.

[er88]

TGR cost him a chance at the title, I'll happily admit that. But it's too big a leap to go any further based on Jari's career.

It was only because Neuville was such a "sick dog" that there was even a championship up for grabs for anyone (whether it was Jari/Tanak or Ogier). 50pts thrown away in Monte and Sweden and messy rallies later in the year cost Thierry massively.

[dimviii]

here we go

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5d1M8VXoAAIBkS.jpg

[AL14]

Three threads talking about the same news. Where should I comment it? :D

[dimviii]

A Rare Look Inside The Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Factory


http://www.speedhunters.com/2019/04/toyota-gazoo-racing-wrt-factory-visit/

[bomber21]

This is an amazing article!
I would kill to gain entrance to a factory like this! :)

The author of the article says there are THIRTEEN Yaris WRC inside!

[TypeR]

interesting that they allowed to take quite detailed photos of suspensions, brakes and interior..

[T16]

Sorry if it's been posted already, but did anyone see Tanak's Instagram post about taking a holiday and 'recharging the batteries' whilst on holiday? I thought it was quite funny.

[EstWRC]

Meeke: "...Tommi promised the problems will be solved right away"

https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/58835396_2180230362056854_3416150629993676800_o.jp g?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=1339ac02692a838f26283a9d42615f18&oe=5D2B62C5

[gorganl2000]

that's a good one EstWRC...lol

[EstWRC]

i dont even have word anymore for this team following Latvalas retirement.....

[cali]

Worrysome

[Tarmop]

Definitely not good, seems also a repeating mistake once again, BUT...you have to remember, that in the hands of JML, the Polo also had issues, some repeating, which Ogier and Mikkelsen didn`t...

[EstWRC]

GR World Rally Team
‏

@TGR_WRC
1m1 minute ago
More
Update regarding Latvala's retirement: he hit a rock in a ditch with the front-left and damaged a driveshaft. No hydraulics issue. #YarisWRC #WRC #RallyChile #TGR_WRC


okay, it seems i was to quick to criticize

[er88]

Damn. The stage end before was the first time I sensed a panic in Jari's voice (apart from the stall), maybe the pressure of being back competing with the GOAT effected him. Or maybe the rock was unavoidable, we'll see. Still can't trust that Yaris

[wrc2017]

Is Meeke he only driver to so far to have finished every rally, and completed every stage?

[Morte66]

Is Meeke he only driver to so far to have finished every rally, and completed every stage?

I think he is.

I feel dizzy.

[mknight]

Wrong thread?

[AnttiL]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/144019/toyota-plays-down-alonso-wrc-rumours

Katsuta likely to do Spain in fourth Yaris, not Alonso. Also Germany or GB for Katsuta

[Tarmop]

So...why was Mäkinen saying, at the beginning of this year that no WRC for Katsuta, but instead full season in a R5 for learning? That decision/order will probably come from upper levels than TGR WRT for sure ( Alonso driving or not driving).

[pantealex]

Katsuta like all other drivers can only drive 7 WRC2 rallies, there is very little point to drive other events with big number (bad road position)
but he has (almost) never driven Yaris WRC in tarmac, so Germany and Catalonia sounds bit weird.

[RS]

Is Meeke he only driver to so far to have finished every rally, and completed every stage?

Look what you did :p

[Allez Andruet]

So...why was Mäkinen saying, at the beginning of this year that no WRC for Katsuta, but instead full season in a R5 for learning?.

I'd say there are two possible reasons for that. The first and much more likely being that it was Tommi. If there was a RASCI-chart for listening to Mäkinen, all the R's would be on the listener. Or maybe Katsuta has impressed the TGR management and he's given the first WRC outing (in WRC) already this year (one year earlier than in the original plan)? Hänninen, who acts as a some kind of mentor for Katsuta, seemed genuinely surprised and impressed when he was interviewed about Katsuta's recent perfomance in Riihimäki-ralli (the Finnish championship event that saw both Katsuta and Huttunen in action). Maybe Katsuta is indeed better than he's being given credit for? Time will tell.

[racerx1979]

Priming Katsuta for a Rally Japan drive in 2020. I don't think Katsuta does very well on tarmac, but ironically his home country event is on tarmac....

[denkimi]

Katsuta like all other drivers can only drive 7 WRC2 rallies, there is very little point to drive other events with big number (bad road position)
but he has (almost) never driven Yaris WRC in tarmac, so Germany and Catalonia sounds bit weird.
is there not a loophole where they switch the driver and the co-driver on the official entry list, but let the driver do the actual driving?

or is there also a restriction on the number of rally's a codriver can do?

[AnttiL]

is there not a loophole where they switch the driver and the co-driver on the official entry list, but let the driver do the actual driving?

By doing that you would make the co-driver earn the points

[Tarmop]

Oh and that little argument about Alonso remaining in TGR, but doing else thsn circuit. Leaves Dakar and WRC, which is said to be the training for the first one.

[pantealex]

is there not a loophole where they switch the driver and the co-driver on the official entry list, but let the driver do the actual driving?

or is there also a restriction on the number of rally's a codriver can do?

Yes.

and it has been used.

[pantealex]

By doing that you would make the co-driver earn the points

It doesn´t matter because Katsuta has done his own maximum 7 events.

With that co-driver switch they would get that P2 status and better starting position.

[Co-driven]

I think he could still enter the events in WRC2, but won't score points and still have P2 priority.

"8.4.4 The WRC 2 Champion titles for Drivers and Co-Drivers will be awarded to the driver and co-driver who have scored the highest number of points from 6 of the first 7 rallies which they have entered to score points. In the remaining rallies they may neither score nor detract points from other registered drivers."

[EstWRC]

i know im writing this on emotion right now but....

so sick of these punctures, alternator, driveshaft, brake and other sick dog issues.

something needs to be done fast.

not emotional this time but my point is the same. The problems are just endless, so far i think they havent even had one single rally without problems, its ridiculous on this level.

Maybe they should also change the team principal like Hyundai did? i dont know....

i know i will be thrown with rocks after the next sentence by Latvala and Meeke fans but they havent just delivered. Yes, i know that often this is because of the car but the fact that they havent got even ONE SINGLE podium after half the season isnt good enough, while all the drivers from other teams have been on podium at least once. Even Lappi who is having a nightmare season so far.

They are trailing Hyundai now almost by 50 points.


A lot of thinking for Mäkinen or Mr.Toyoda on summer break about those things.

[EstWRC]

Mr.Toyoda like Terminator: "ill be back" https://youtu.be/7870-sEFqlg?t=140

[wrc2017]

not emotional this time but my point is the same. The problems are just endless, so far i think they havent even had one single rally without problems, its ridiculous on this level.

Maybe they should also change the team principal like Hyundai did? i dont know....

i know i will be thrown with rocks after the next sentence by Latvala and Meeke fans but they havent just delivered. Yes, i know that often this is because of the car but the fact that they havent got even ONE SINGLE podium after half the season isnt good enough, while all the drivers from other teams have been on podium at least once. Even Lappi who is having a nightmare season so far.

They are trailing Hyundai now almost by 50 points.


A lot of thinking for Mäkinen or Mr.Toyoda on summer break about those things.

Even take this rally... if Meeke's wheel hadnt failed, he was on course the take Mikkelsen and Evans... then Tanak has his problem, Meeke could have been on podium.. thats how it goes

[Allez Andruet]

Maybe they should also change the team principal like Hyundai did? i dont know....

i know i will be thrown with rocks after the next sentence by Latvala and Meeke fans but they havent just delivered. Yes, i know that often this is because of the car but the fact that they havent got even ONE SINGLE podium after half the season isnt good enough, while all the drivers from other teams have been on podium at least once. Even Lappi who is having a nightmare season so far.

It must be noted that Toyota does not have similar options with Mäkinen than Hyundai had with Nandan. Toyota is basically outsourcing its WRC program from Mäkinen's company, so they would have to change the service provider, if things ever escalate to a point where Tommi would have to be removed from his duties. Having said that, and without taking a stance on the question itself, I don't believe it's happening anytime soon.

And totally agree about Meeke and Latvala. Way too little support for the team and Tänak from both. JML's situation we all know, but Meeke has fallen from a title contender to the and-the-rest category. Not so long ago his name was often added to list of Ogier, Neuville and Tänak, but that's no longer the case.

Just a wild guess, but I think if the next rally wouldn't happen to be Finland, Latvala might have been benched.

[Myrvold]

Latvala might have been benched.

And who'd they put in?

[Allez Andruet]

And who'd they put in?

Don't know. Ofcourse such thing would not have been done because there's someone more capable than JML waiting on the sidelines, but enough is enough. Bit like with Meeke and Citroen in 2018.

[cali]

And who'd they put in?Paddon is available

[Tarmop]

Well, yes, but...hasn`t been driving for 7 months, hasn`t used a Toyota never-ever, is sponsored by Hyundai NZ.

[Morte66]

So, TGR won Le Mans. I wonder if the endurance/rally teams send each other congratulations, or chocolates?

[Tarmop]

Look at their twitter accounts, both have cheered for eachother.

[cali]

Well, yes, but...hasn`t been driving for 7 months, hasn`t used a Toyota never-ever, is sponsored by Hyundai NZ.You can overcome both these argument by simply giving him some seat time in national rallies. Sponsored or not he still wants to drive and atm it seems Hyundai WRT has ditched him.

[wrc2017]

It must be noted that Toyota does not have similar options with Mäkinen than Hyundai had with Nandan. Toyota is basically outsourcing its WRC program from Mäkinen's company, so they would have to change the service provider, if things ever escalate to a point where Tommi would have to be removed from his duties. Having said that, and without taking a stance on the question itself, I don't believe it's happening anytime soon.

And totally agree about Meeke and Latvala. Way too little support for the team and Tänak from both. JML's situation we all know, but Meeke has fallen from a title contender to the and-the-rest category. Not so long ago his name was often added to list of Ogier, Neuville and Tänak, but that's no longer the case.

Just a wild guess, but I think if the next rally wouldn't happen to be Finland, Latvala might have been benched.
How can you say to little support of the team, OK one or two small incident for both, but if you list all the issues Meeke has had with wheels etc.etc.. he could had 4 podiums by now. And on pure pace, was he not 2s off the lead of Tanak on Sunday morning in Portugal?? I think your letting the road cleaning capital of Sardinia cloud your judgement.... so based on his perfromance this weekend.. is Neuville suddenly an also ran?

Anyway.. the next 2 rounds are the benchmark for everyone.. and for next years contracts.

[Grutz]

If I was Makinen, I would be getting Seb Marshall in a private room and ask him to compare Meeke vs Paddon!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

not emotional this time but my point is the same. The problems are just endless, so far i think they havent even had one single rally without problems, its ridiculous on this level.

Maybe they should also change the team principal like Hyundai did? i dont know....

i know i will be thrown with rocks after the next sentence by Latvala and Meeke fans but they havent just delivered. Yes, i know that often this is because of the car but the fact that they havent got even ONE SINGLE podium after half the season isnt good enough, while all the drivers from other teams have been on podium at least once. Even Lappi who is having a nightmare season so far.

They are trailing Hyundai now almost by 50 points.


A lot of thinking for Mäkinen or Mr.Toyoda on summer break about those things.

I am away and missed the rally live.

Gutted when I saw what happened on the PS. Like Evans in Corsica its even more cruel on the last stage to be robbed of a win.

Toyota are in danger of throwing away a sure Driver's title (and repeat Manus) if they dont sort the reliability.

[EstWRC]

Comment from Akio Toyoda, Team Chairman, Concerning the Outcome of the Rally Italia Sardegna, Rd. 8 of FIA World Rally Championship

"It was a heartbreaking ending to Rally Italia Sardegna. As I felt Ott and Martin's strong ambition to bring me to the podium again, I was lost for words when I saw their car slowing down in the final stage. But I think the disappointment is bigger for the driver and the co-driver than for anyone else.

I'm very sorry that we couldn't let the drivers drive through to the finish. I'm very sorry for all the fans who were watching the fight.

I have never before released any comment without a victory. But I want to convey my feelings via my own words this time. It was really important that I could see the competitions on site in Italy.

Takamoto said sorry to me after he retired from the rally. I don't think he needed to say sorry. I'm looking forward to seeing Takamoto standing on the podium with the Yaris WRC in the future. We need to convert the experience from this rally into strength for the days to come.

Kris said to me that the Yaris gives him a very good feeling to drive. I'm very happy to hear that, when he's driving the car at an exhilarating speed. I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome one day.

Jari-Matti said to me that he will definitely bring me a good result next time. Having seen Jari-Matti's struggling appearance many times, I am sure that good luck will come to him too.

And Ott... I will never forget the regretful expression in his face when he got out of the car. He hugged with the mechanics one by one, facing the sadness with all of the team members. I was touched by this scene. I thought Ott and all the members of Car No. 8 must be the champion by any means from my heart.

What I can do is to make the Yaris the "even better car" and " much more reliable car to continue driving". I will carry out this goal together with Tommi by any means.

To all the fans, I wish for your continuous support for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT.

https://global.toyota/pages/news/images/2019/06/17/WRC/002.jpg



source https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/28545399.html

[TRW]

In my opininion most of you guys are quite overly dramatic. IT IS RALLY, it has been same sport for decades whith its technical breakdowns and mental breakdowns.
I can assure you, no one will be benched from Toyota this season. I can't assure you BUT probably OT will stay in Toyota despite those breakdowns.
As you have seen many times this season, things can turn upside-down pretty fast in this sport (Evans Corsica, Neu Chile, Ogier Italy, Tanak Italy).
What I want to say is that there are too much "writing in emotion" around WRC in this new era, not only here but also on social media, it shows some fan-bases in quite a bad light :)

[Indreq]

Just out of curiosity i summarized Tänaks results and main issues over last 2 seasons:
2018
Monte - 2nd, no significant problems, Ogier dominated
Sweden - 9th, initially lost time in thick snow, then collided with Meeke
Mexico - 14th, overheating, turbo boost, from 3rd position,
Corse - 2nd, minor handling problems on 1st day, Ogier dominated
Argentina - 1st
Portugal - DNF, broken radiator on 2nd stage after winning 1st
Sardegna - 9th, broken radiator, from 3rd position 16s off the lead
Finland - 1st
Germany - 1st
Turkey - 1st
GB - 19th - broken radiator, from 1st position
Spain - 6th - puncture (rim?), from 1st position
Australia - DNF - early issues in watersplash, gearbox failure caused by possible drivers error, from 1st position

2019
Monte - 3rd, wheel rim, from 3rd position, later won bunch of stages to climb back.
Sweden - 1st
Mexico - 2nd, lost too much time on sweeping on Friday to catch Ogier
Corse - 6th, wheel rim, from 1st position
Argentina - 8th, early lead lost due to broken driveshaft, then retired for day from 2nd due to alternator failure
Chile - 1st
Portual - 1st, brakes and damper issues
Sardegna - 5th, power steering failure, from 1st position

[mknight]

He wasn't completely innocent in all those though, just first things that come to mind:
- Sardinia 2018, only one to drive full trottle on a jump breaking the car
- GB 2018, soft front suspension setup causing them to scratch sump guard on just about every corner.. until it broke off and broke the radiator. Who decides setup? Driver is prbly a bit involved.
- Corsica 2019, cut where for example Meeke had "don't cut" in notes, Latvala also took same cut and got a puncture and said immediatelly at stage end it was his fault

Sure the car let him down quite a few times, but not every single time listed.

[racerx1979]

The steering issue they had was a bad one to be honest. One thing a lot of people do not know is that Toyota team has been briefed to keep calm about vehicle issues. They do not want the brand to be hurt so they try to be very politically correct during interviews, but in the background it's a different story. In hot weather rallies they have a ton of issues... I mean everything from overheating dampers, hydraulic issues and fuel problems. With hydraulics they have had handbrake, brake, power steering issues and other issues.

A lot of issues unfortunately are trial and error. M-Sport and Citroen knows what works and what doesn't based on past experience. With Toyota they are young and learning many things now. No excuses, but these things take time and as easy at it seems some components work as a group and it's not as easy as just replacing a single component and all things are good.

JML's steering literally locked in place and he was not able to move it at all. This is similar to what happened to Tanak. They have had issues where the PS system gets too hot and they will break a tooth in the rack and pinion causing the system to lock and eventually fail. At the end of the day they would have had two Toyota's in the podium if it were not for these issues. TGR is a young team by all means and what makes it difficult is that they're a new team. It's not like Citroen taking a few years off and coming back... they still have their faithful suppliers unlike Toyota who is dealing with suppliers for a first time and many of these components are part of the TGR group who do not have WRC experience.

I honestly think if Toyota had it all figured out these last few years would be boring as they would dominate the scene. At this rate the only way Neuville and Ogier will win is due to TGR issues... similar to last year and the year before with JML's issues.

[wrc2017]

Great post

[Indreq]

He wasn't completely innocent in all those though, just first things that come to mind:
- Sardinia 2018, only one to drive full trottle on a jump breaking the car
- GB 2018, soft front suspension setup causing them to scratch sump guard on just about every corner.. until it broke off and broke the radiator. Who decides setup? Driver is prbly a bit involved.
- Corsica 2019, cut where for example Meeke had "don't cut" in notes, Latvala also took same cut and got a puncture and said immediatelly at stage end it was his fault

Sure the car let him down quite a few times, but not every single time listed.

You are probably right. As you see i kept it compact, but many stress-related failures happen because stress is applied. Now the question is how much stress should car take before failing and did driver have correct expectation or was he too optimistic?

[EstWRC]

Markko Märtin said loud and clear in Estonian autosport magazine last year that the car should handle those things.

[Tarmop]

:D
Didn`t we already come to a conclusion (several times, last year) that There were 1-2 drivers who DID LIFT...and didn`t Mäkinen just a month or so back say, that the issue is ineed in the rims, though setup-related? In terms of setup-talk, there is some truth yes.

What EstWRC said, in addition to Märtin some other WRC-related people have said, that a WRCar can`t break in these kind of situations.

[T16]

Comment from Akio Toyoda, Team Chairman, Concerning the Outcome of the Rally Italia Sardegna, Rd. 8 of FIA World Rally Championship

"It was a heartbreaking ending to Rally Italia Sardegna. As I felt Ott and Martin's strong ambition to bring me to the podium again, I was lost for words when I saw their car slowing down in the final stage. But I think the disappointment is bigger for the driver and the co-driver than for anyone else.

I'm very sorry that we couldn't let the drivers drive through to the finish. I'm very sorry for all the fans who were watching the fight.

I have never before released any comment without a victory. But I want to convey my feelings via my own words this time. It was really important that I could see the competitions on site in Italy.

Takamoto said sorry to me after he retired from the rally. I don't think he needed to say sorry. I'm looking forward to seeing Takamoto standing on the podium with the Yaris WRC in the future. We need to convert the experience from this rally into strength for the days to come.

Kris said to me that the Yaris gives him a very good feeling to drive. I'm very happy to hear that, when he's driving the car at an exhilarating speed. I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome one day.

Jari-Matti said to me that he will definitely bring me a good result next time. Having seen Jari-Matti's struggling appearance many times, I am sure that good luck will come to him too.

And Ott... I will never forget the regretful expression in his face when he got out of the car. He hugged with the mechanics one by one, facing the sadness with all of the team members. I was touched by this scene. I thought Ott and all the members of Car No. 8 must be the champion by any means from my heart.

What I can do is to make the Yaris the "even better car" and " much more reliable car to continue driving". I will carry out this goal together with Tommi by any means.

To all the fans, I wish for your continuous support for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT.

https://global.toyota/pages/news/images/2019/06/17/WRC/002.jpg



source https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/28545399.html


Excuse my ignorance, but who is Takamoto?

[Andre Oliveira]

Katsuta

[deephouse]

Markko Märtin said loud and clear in Estonian autosport magazine last year that the car should handle those things.

Reactor RBMK couldn't have exploded, but it did. Everything is possible and even things can be drive to that point when they simply break or led to complete failure. Even Ogier with his pace and misfortune, offs, crashes won last two titles and will probably won this one too. Never say never...

[cali]

Reactor RBMK couldn't have exploded, but it did. Everything is possible and even things can be drive to that point when they simply break or led to complete failure. Even Ogier with his pace and misfortune, offs, crashes won last two titles and will probably won this one too. Never say never...Just out of curiosity when was the last time before Toyota's problems any team had such rim breakages? Probably never. Only happened to Yaris WRC. So it's a engineering issue not a common issue widely known in rallying history ...

[deephouse]

Just out of curiosity when was the last time before Toyota's problems any team had such rim breakages? Probably never. Only happened to Yaris WRC. So it's a engineering issue not a common issue widely known in rallying history ...

I just put some examples when someone claim that Toyota should survive those impacts. Nothing is unbreakable. We all saw how much cutting is Tanak taking. Remember, Neuville anssd Sordo in Catalunya back then. With average 70 or more km/h and drive on gravel with stones it can happen. Too badly that this is ''tank'' Toyota. They know what they have to do and is their job. If not they will keep getting those results.

[Tarmop]

Oh, someone has been watching HBO`s new miniseries, which is quite good, but ...we are talking about repeating problems, not something that has happened once.

Takamoto is Takamoto Katsuta, driver of the TGR development program, currently rallying in RC2 Fiesta.

[racerx1979]

Reactor RBMK couldn't have exploded, but it did. Everything is possible and even things can be drive to that point when they simply break or led to complete failure. Even Ogier with his pace and misfortune, offs, crashes won last two titles and will probably won this one too. Never say never...

All I learned from your post is that you have HBO.. joking.. :)

[EstWRC]

The steering issue they had was a bad one to be honest. One thing a lot of people do not know is that Toyota team has been briefed to keep calm about vehicle issues. They do not want the brand to be hurt so they try to be very politically correct during interviews, but in the background it's a different story. In hot weather rallies they have a ton of issues... I mean everything from overheating dampers, hydraulic issues and fuel problems. With hydraulics they have had handbrake, brake, power steering issues and other issues.

A lot of issues unfortunately are trial and error. M-Sport and Citroen knows what works and what doesn't based on past experience. With Toyota they are young and learning many things now. No excuses, but these things take time and as easy at it seems some components work as a group and it's not as easy as just replacing a single component and all things are good.

JML's steering literally locked in place and he was not able to move it at all. This is similar to what happened to Tanak. They have had issues where the PS system gets too hot and they will break a tooth in the rack and pinion causing the system to lock and eventually fail. At the end of the day they would have had two Toyota's in the podium if it were not for these issues. TGR is a young team by all means and what makes it difficult is that they're a new team. It's not like Citroen taking a few years off and coming back... they still have their faithful suppliers unlike Toyota who is dealing with suppliers for a first time and many of these components are part of the TGR group who do not have WRC experience.

I honestly think if Toyota had it all figured out these last few years would be boring as they would dominate the scene. At this rate the only way Neuville and Ogier will win is due to TGR issues... similar to last year and the year before with JML's issues.

Thanks for this post....explains a lot.

it seems their main issue over the years is heat and hot temperatures, plus rougher roads.

Reading your post it seems to me a huge miracle that they survived and even came away with double podium in Turkey last year.

As far as i remember They didnt have so many problems last year as this year already, thats what is depressing for me, you assume they get better with each year but so far N.O.T unfortunately.

[Rallyper]

Reactor RBMK couldn't have exploded, but it did. Everything is possible and even things can be drive to that point when they simply break or led to complete failure. Even Ogier with his pace and misfortune, offs, crashes won last two titles and will probably won this one too. Never say never...

OT, but still... RBMK 1000 reactor was i high potential Plutonium generator embedded in incendiary graphite. Combined with violation of safety rules and blocking safetysystems it was doomed to explode. Just FYI.

[TRW]

Takamoto will drive Yaris at Germany and Spain, cool!

https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/challengeprogram_rally/0628-01.html?fbclid=IwAR1d2eoIKSJzwz5m7UNO2Gziq2fk8K-YLVPuAhpOYN7_J8MRlEPQyWVQYCo

[dimviii]

photos of new yaris
https://www.drive.gr/news/nea-montela/neo-toyota-yaris-dokimazetai-sto-nurburgring

[pantealex]

photos of new yaris
https://www.drive.gr/news/nea-montela/neo-toyota-yaris-dokimazetai-sto-nurburgring

5-doors, interesting :)

[Tarmop]

Like competition nowadays.

[EstWRC]

5-doors, interesting :)

the car is just so much faster than others so the next one will be 5 doors version with extra people sitting in it on stages ;)

[stefanvv]

the car is just so much faster than others so the next one will be 5 doors version with extra people sitting in it on stages ;)

How much will cost a tourist tour?:D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Half-term report for Tanak - excellent !
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/july-2019/toyota-half-term/page/6495--12-12-.html

[mknight]

Half-term report for Tanak - excellent !
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/july-2019/toyota-half-term/page/6495--12-12-.html

It reads like a press-release. Only talking about the positives and not mentioning any negatives. Especially the part about Latvala and Meeke is very one-sided.

Though I can understand it since this is wrc.com which basically is only promotion stuff. That makes it relatively pointless article though, just like people mostly don't read press-releases.

Just about the only interesting thing would be if they paint equally rosy pictures about all the other teams.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Its hard see these Tanak facts negatively...

"He’s led for more stages than the next four drivers (Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, Dani Sordo and Elfyn Evans) in the standings combined, and set more than twice the number of fastest times than anybody else."

[mknight]

Tanak hasn't really done anything wrong so far this season (the only tiny exception might be the puncture in Corsica), which is why I did not mention him at all in my post.

The issues is all the other things that are not mentioned:

Toyota's results as a team are horrible, given Tanak's speed (which is mentioned). There are multiple reliability issues (alternator 2x, suspension/rims 4+ times?, steering 2x, dampers in Portugal).
Latvala and Meeke's results with 0 podiums in 8 rallies (Hyundai has 4 non-Neuville podiums, Citroen has 1 for Lappi too) are close to the worst of all WRC drivers, especially if you compare that with Tanak's speed.

Reading the "report" you only get that Tanak is fast and the team had some "bad luck" here and there. Press-release stuff. Which is kind of ok for WRC.COM. Just warning people should not take it as an "analysis" which it clearly isn't.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a report on the Toyota driver's rather than the Team.

And in that respect the Tanak has performed brilliantly only to be let down by the car.

Meeke and Latvala have made some mistakes, yes, but also had some car issues, which has to be taken into account in their results.

[mknight]

Thing is that there is a lot of important (negative) things which happened that are left out. (ex. Latvala's two crashes, which definitely don't fall into "wheel rim-related and electrical issues").

Something that is ok for a press release, but missing if this is to be taken as a "reporting article".


Furthermore this:
"One of his (Meeke's) strongest showings came in Portugal..."
is certainly an interesting angle.

[EstWRC]

Midyear recap - Tänak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuVgAFvBz58

[EstWRC]

Meeke mid season recap https://youtu.be/33QcCNrszh0

[EstWRC]

Toyota already reacting to the wing-gate https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/08/20/toyota-proposal-of-a-modified-rear-wing-for-the-yaris-wrc/

[mknight]

Toyota already reacting to the wing-gate https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/08/20/toyota-proposal-of-a-modified-rear-wing-for-the-yaris-wrc/

While simple solution (if they don't need to change the shape as was also rumored).

It is really weird they would do this for Germany when they only have to do it from Turkey. Even if the generated downforce is similar it gets generated 3 cm more forward. So multipllied by the arm there will be a difference. Maybe they will just use it on one car on SD and then change back?

[mknight]

I went back to the vids from Turkey test and it seems the wing is in the new position there as well (I only checked two Tänak vids.).

[er88]

Seems needless to change it before they have to.

[mknight]

Looks like they are using this on other cars as well.
I went back to testing vids from Greece last week and it seems Latvala (at least on first runs) didn't use this but later Tanak used it on all runs that I saw. In testing for Germany (which was before Finland) the used the old position.

Also it might be that the "plan" by FIA that all teams need to be compliant by Turkey is multi-step and requires some changes already in Germany?

[pantealex]

or that 3cm makes no difference in performance so TGR is using it now.

[mknight]

or that 3cm makes no difference in performance so TGR is using it now.

If it makes no difference for downforce and drag then why were they using the position 3cm further back before? It seemingly only has disadvantages otherwise:
- higher polar moment (more weight further away from center of the car)
- (attachment) need to be stiffer/stronger/heavier cause it experiences higher forces and is more likely to break off

But off course it's an option that the diference is not very big, since the times of Lancer WRC 04 (http://m.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/images/evorally2-big.JPG), just about anything is possible

[EstWRC]

Toyota has made changes to the positioning of the rear wing on its Yaris WRC, following a World Rally Championship rules clarification by the FIA.

During the Rally Finland weekend, the FIA said a clarification of rear wing measurements was necessary, while stressing that no car in the championship was running illegally.

Toyota's rear wing aerodynamic specification had not changed since the 2017 season when the current regulations came in.

Toyota Gazoo Racing team boss Tommi Makinen told Autosport: "There are some small modifications, it's basically completely nonsense work, I would call it.

"It's some extra work for us, that's what it means.

"Somebody wanted to make our lives a bit more stressful.

"A bit more work for us, that's basically what I can see."

A team spokesperson added: "The situation is quite clear from the FIA statement.

"There's a clarification in place which comes in for everybody for Rally Turkey.

"In the meantime there's been, as part of the clarification, let's say new definitions on how measurements are taken.

"For Germany, we have the same assembly on the car, the aerodynamic profile is the same that it has always been, but in order to meet tolerance in clarifications there has been positional adjustments in order to meet the tolerance."

Both Makinen and the team spokesperson stressed that Toyota's main target in making the changes was for safety.

"When you do some modifications, I wanted to make sure it was reinforced and strong enough in case of any risk of some failure, it could be very dangerous," said Makinen.

"I understood they [the Toyota engineers] managed to make it without any question about strength."

The spokesperson added: "I think the safety point of view has been our main point since everything was raised in Finland, a lot of work goes into not only the aerodynamic profile of the car, but what is the aerodynamic loading on the car in different areas.



"Now, in current regulations of the WRC, consideration of aerodynamic loading is a significant factor [for safety].

"In terms of what's been done in the tolerance side for Germany, we don't see any risk.

"All the parts are as per they have always been just with some adjustment in position.

"It's been done to make sure we are with the same level of safety we have always had."

Speaking during Rally Finland, FIA rally director Yves Matton had insisted that the rules clarification was not aimed at any particular manufacturer.

"There is no story about the Toyota rear wing," Matton told Autosport at the event.

"There has been a clarification concerning the rear wings from the World Rally Cars.

"We have asked all the manufacturers to do the work, and put them in conformity for Turkey.

"There is an action plan that we have asked all the manufacturers [to comply with]."

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145507/toyota-adjusts-rear-wing-after-rules-clarification

[mknight]

Doesn't shed any light as to why they did it for Germany. Only possible "hint" is that the "clarifications on measurements", ie. the 3cm overlap had to be done already for Germany.

[pantealex]

Well well
Yaris was lot slower with that new rear-spoiler...

Only 1-2-3-10 not 1-2-3-4

;)

[wrc2017]

Well well
Yaris was lot slower with that new rear-spoiler...

Only 1-2-3-10 not 1-2-3-4

;)
New spoiler for Turkey

[Tarmop]

No, it was used already.

[mknight]

Well well
Yaris was lot slower with that new rear-spoiler...

Only 1-2-3-10 not 1-2-3-4

;)

Actually if you compare with Corsica it was. The 1-2-3 comment is a little bit like saying Hyundai was fastest car in Corsica cause Neuville won.

Neuville had same speed as Tänak and faster than both other Toyotas, Sordo was also faster than both other Toyotas unlike Corsica and Ogier was about same speed as Latvala/Meeke before puncture. Ford lacked a top tarmac driver but stagetimes Suninen did were also very good compared with Toyotas.

The question still remains as to what changes need to be done for Turkey. From the Germany talk from Toyota it seems that they were actually forced to follow the "correct" overhang even here.

Btw. the comments from Toyota vs Citroen should come as no surprise to anyone. Off course Toyota will claim how it's all nonsense and pointless change, while Citroen will claim it was a massive advantage. Truth is likely somewhere between.

[EstWRC]

exactly, i would say that the Hyunday was maybe the best overall car at Rally Germany. At least there wasnt nothing to choose between them and Toyota

[wrc2017]

No, it was used already.

In testing. But only introduced for all in Turkey

[EstWRC]

In testing. But only introduced for all in Turkey

"For Germany, we have the same assembly on the car, the aerodynamic profile is the same that it has always been, but in order to meet tolerance in clarifications there has been positional adjustments in order to meet the tolerance."

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145507/toyota-adjusts-rear-wing-after-rules-clarification

[Tarmop]

Well...it was Hyundai`s home-event afterall. Maybe not the same like Finland-Yaris, but still...

[wrc2017]

"For Germany, we have the same assembly on the car, the aerodynamic profile is the same that it has always been, but in order to meet tolerance in clarifications there has been positional adjustments in order to meet the tolerance."

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/145507/toyota-adjusts-rear-wing-after-rules-clarification

Didn't know that.. Thanks

[Rally Power]

exactly, i would say that the Hyunday was maybe the best overall car at Rally Germany.

Hard to agree Est. Tanak lead from SS1 to the finish; Neuville was always close and won the PS but all Yaris drivers managed to win stages (11 against 8 i20 wins) while Mikkelsen struggled with his car set-up all event long. The Yaris was also more reliable, with only those PS brake issues for Tanak against Sordo’s gearbox failure at the end of leg 2 (plus Neuville fuse issue after a stall). All considered, the Yaris was, as usual, the best car.

[EstWRC]

well, maybe yes but i was talking more about speedwise, still i say there wasnt much between them (Tänak 8 stage wins, Neuville 7 stage wins) and Hyundai has upped massively their game on tarmac.

good pic of new rims versus old rims

https://twitter.com/TOYOTA_GR/status/1165836264786018306?s=20

[AnttiL]

Difficult to isolate the driver and car performance. Judging by Tänak's comments, he was playing it safe and not pushing max, whereas I would assume Neuville was driving 110%, leading into relatively equal times. But then again, Sordo had also a great pace.

[mknight]

Suninen was basically doing same times as Meeke and Latvala when they were fighting Ogier. Sure he was first on the road, but the roads were quite dusty for first cars.
Afaik Msport had close to no development on Fiesta since Corsica.

[wrc2017]

Suninen was basically doing same times as Meeke and Latvala when they were fighting Ogier. Sure he was first on the road, but the roads were quite dusty for first cars.
Afaik Msport had close to no development on Fiesta since Corsica.

Fat head.. Sunninen said himself he has nothing to lose, only to set fast times. Meeke and Latvala where driving for 2nd and 3rd overall, a constructors championship, and neither had any room for mistake, and driving for their place in the team next year. Meeke didn't even do the event last year.

[AnttiL]

But then again, Suninen's first ever tarmac rally in a WRC car was exactly a year ago, and previously he has always been a bit down on pace.

[wrc2017]

But then again, Suninen's first ever tarmac rally in a WRC car was exactly a year ago, and previously he has always been a bit down on pace.

When you have a free mind, and no noose around your kneck, no target for the rally, previous karting pedigree.. in a Ford that is obviously quick on tarmac, as Evans was leading Corsica, and a clean road.. your not going to be slow.

[pantealex]

of all drivers Takamoto Katsuta has most "Karting Pedigree".

[Allez Andruet]

Usually 1-2-3's are "bad" and mean that there is not that wide competition, but I think the most beautiful thing about Toyota's straight flush in Germany was that it wasn't because of that (lack of competition).

[EstWRC]

i understand from this article that they will have new wing for Turkey indeed, also suspension updates https://translate.google.ee/translate?hl=et&tab=wT&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallit.fi%2Ftoyota-joutuu-tekemaan-muutoksen-wrc-autoonsa-tommi-makinen-toimii-varmasti-hyvin%2F

also its written that others have to make chnges but not as much as Toyota. Finnish guys maybe better translation ?

[AnttiL]

You understood correctly. Also Tommi said the rim update worked and they haven’t managed to break them in tests.

[pantealex]

I talked with TGR "insiders"
They said that:
Both Citroen and Hyundai had bit different "wings" in Germany than in Finland.

[EstWRC]

TOYOTA SOLVES TÄNAK BRAKE ISSUE

https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2019/toyota-brakes/page/6645--12-12-.html

[tomhlord]

All-new road-going Yaris launched this morning. Looks neat.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2020-toyota-yaris-revealed-ground-redesign

New WRC car to follow? New road version on sale mid-2020, perhaps the WRC team uses their current car for one more season before new car in 2021?

[EstWRC]

Will there be a 3 door version too?

didnt find it in that article.

[RS]

Much less hideous than the current Yaris.

[tomhlord]

Will there be a 3 door version too?

didnt find it in that article.

5-door online I believe.

[pantealex]

Will there be a 3 door version too?

didnt find it in that article.

All other "French" cars are only available in 5-doors. Same with all VAG brands (Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW)

I thing Fiesta is only high selling model which is also available in 3-doors.

My guess is only 5-doors.

Interesting part is that new Yaris is shorter than previous, so Rally model will look like it has even bigger spoilers/wings ;)

edit.Remember that Hyundai had to use 5-door body for R5 because they couldn´t sell enough 3-door coupe versions...

[deephouse]

What if next gen WRC cars will not be fiesta, i20, c3 and yaris?

[Tarmop]

Toyota and Hyundai were going to build new Yaris/i20 models into 2017-2022 spec. also.

[pantealex]

What if next gen WRC cars will not be fiesta, i20, c3 and yaris?

Well every manufacturer can choose which model they want, small cars are getting bigger and bigger...
Current Fiesta is bigger than 1st Focus, Polo is bigger than Golf used to be.

[AnttiL]

Remember that for the next gen cars, it's allowed to scale down the bodyshell. If the manufacturer wants to market a bigger model, they can still make a nimble small rally car that just has the "face" of the bigger model.

[br21]

The R5 test car they are testing is in what chassis?

[pantealex]

The R5 test car they are testing is in what chassis?

5-door.

[EstWRC]

some renders with the new model https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wj0w6pBUO/

[Andre Oliveira]

Do you think that if Toyota not a joint venture but a full Toyota team... Tommi could continue as team manager?

[pantealex]

Do you think that if Toyota not a joint venture but a full Toyota team... Tommi could continue as team manager?

Tommi has multi year deal.
So full factory is not happening 2020

[Andre Oliveira]

Ok. But answer my question. Do you think?

[pantealex]

Ok. But answer my question. Do you think?

Full Factory, NO, NO Tommi as manager.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.iltalehti.fi/ralli/a/c9f745ea-42cc-44c5-9a5f-8a1f57f0eeb2

Mäkinen sounding a bit more upbeat than he did in Catalunya. Says he understands Tänak's decision and thinks that the issues in Sardegna and Turkey were the last nail in the coffin. According to Mäkinen, Tänak's contract extension was "finalized, just waiting to be signed", but obviously that never happened. Tommi says the negotiations for next year's line-up are on-going but says they will have "a strong team" and that they will be able to fight for both titles also in 2020.

[SubaruNorway]

Not getting much PR for the championship win Toyota are they?
It's been a week and no posts from either Ott or Toyota...

[meh]

Not getting much PR for the championship win Toyota are they? Been a week and no posts from either Ott or Toyota...

PR may work against Toyota at the moment - current message is "the World Champion didn't want to continue with the team" and it's up to everyone to interpret, why so. At the same time, Hyundai stole the glory. Quite sour title for Toyota at the moment, in the future - the fact stays, related emotions probably not.

[mknight]

Think it all depends on the manu title.

If Toyota gets it they can still get maximum PR, you know winning both and best in the world etc. and that "one guy" is leaving, won't be so important.

If they loose the manu title it would be almost like they won nothing at all.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not getting much PR for the championship win Toyota are they? Been a week and no posts from either Ott or Toyota...

Tanak's swap to Hyundai has pissed on their chips big-time. :(

[deephouse]

That's their fault. Like in some other companies. If good and quality workers are leaving voluntarily than it must be something really wrong. And bosses could do anything, I mean really anything to keep them, but they don't. Like in this case.

[dimviii]

Just to remember that when Michael Zotos left after some few months when yaris project started ,it was so strange for plenty of us.
Zotos was Makinens chief engineer at Mitsubishi days.

[Indreq]

That's their fault. Like in some other companies. If good and quality workers are leaving voluntarily than it must be something really wrong. And bosses could do anything, I mean really anything to keep them, but they don't. Like in this case.

I think that TM probably thought that his bargaining position was stronger than it turned out to be. 1st - everybody agreed that Yaris is best car at the moment and it would make sense for Ott to stay; 2nd - Neuville and Ogier having signed contracts with their teams means that only MSport is viable alternative but their budget is not comparable to Toyota; 3rd - going to Hyundai or Citroen didnt seem like serious option, more like distraction, as at least in recent years usually every team tries to have one star driver and support drivers - having 2 stars in same team is very expensive and possibly damaging for climate. So one could forgive Tommi in playing it hard and calling Otts bluff until it turned out not to be bluff after all, but by then damage was done.

[Mirek]

Not getting much PR for the championship win Toyota are they? Been a week and no posts from either Ott or Toyota...

Yes, it's indeed strange, especially if I compare with Škoda milking the far less valuable WRC2 titles in every second advertisement (at least here).

[AnttiL]

I think that TM probably thought that his bargaining position was stronger than it turned out to be. 1st - everybody agreed that Yaris is best car at the moment and it would make sense for Ott to stay; 2nd - Neuville and Ogier having signed contracts with their teams means that only MSport is viable alternative but their budget is not comparable to Toyota; 3rd - going to Hyundai or Citroen didnt seem like serious option, more like distraction, as at least in recent years usually every team tries to have one star driver and support drivers - having 2 stars in same team is very expensive and possibly damaging for climate. So one could forgive Tommi in playing it hard and calling Otts bluff until it turned out not to be bluff after all, but by then damage was done.

I also believe this. Tommi thought he could get Tänak cheaper because he thought Tänak couldn't/wouldn't go elsewhere.

[SubaruNorway]

Yes, it's indeed strange, especially if I compare with Škoda milking the far less valuable WRC2 titles in every second advertisement (at least here).

I guess there's been some stuff going on in Estonia, but considering how crazy the fans are I'm surprised we haven't seen something like Petter's welcome home in 2003. Anything?
The Skoda rally commercial has been running on TV even in Norway

https://www.facebook.com/Injection.no/videos/1440827609419512/?q=injection.no&epa=SEARCH_BOX

[EstWRC]

Tänak wanted this time to come home quietly without disturbing.

Welcome home and title party will be after Australia.

[mknight]

I think that TM probably thought that his bargaining position was stronger than it turned out to be. 1st - everybody agreed that Yaris is best car at the moment and it would make sense for Ott to stay; 2nd - Neuville and Ogier having signed contracts with their teams means that only MSport is viable alternative but their budget is not comparable to Toyota; 3rd - going to Hyundai or Citroen didnt seem like serious option, more like distraction, as at least in recent years usually every team tries to have one star driver and support drivers - having 2 stars in same team is very expensive and possibly damaging for climate. So one could forgive Tommi in playing it hard and calling Otts bluff until it turned out not to be bluff after all, but by then damage was done.

I think the apparent change in speed of the Yaris after the wing modifications also might have had a role.

[meh]

I guess there's been some stuff going on in Estonia, but considering how crazy the fans are I'm surprised we haven't seen something like Petter's welcome home in 2003. Anything?
The Skoda rally commercial has been running on TV even in Norway

https://www.facebook.com/Injection.no/videos/1440827609419512/?q=injection.no&epa=SEARCH_BOX

This kind of stuff will not going to happen in Estonia. Petter is entertainer, he enjoys it, he fires it up and this is his way to do it. Tänak is quite opposite, he prefers to come out from rally car and disappear to forest to be with family (or at least without public attention).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2020 Yaris GR-4 coming...

https://www.evo.co.uk/toyota/yaris/201932/toyota-yaris-gr-4-hot-hatchback-teased-successor-to-the-grmn-and-a-true-wrc

[able1]

I think the apparent change in speed of the Yaris after the wing modifications also might have had a role.
Well Latvala and Tanak both mentioned that modification done to rear wing had made very minor difference, speed has been the same it just seems like other teams have caught up bit more.

[Rally Power]

2020 Yaris GR-4 coming...

https://www.evo.co.uk/toyota/yaris/201932/toyota-yaris-gr-4-hot-hatchback-teased-successor-to-the-grmn-and-a-true-wrc

They surely keep their promises; this Yaris homologation special was announced 2 years ago: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?37343-TOYOTA-GAZOO-Racing-WRT/page24

It’s a sort of 2 in 1; their new WRC gets an improved base and general costumers can now buy a WRC related car, just like in Gr.A days.

[Norm75]

They surely keep their promises; this Yaris homologation special was announced 2 years ago: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?37343-TOYOTA-GAZOO-Racing-WRT/page24

It’s a sort of 2 in 1; their new WRC gets an improved base and general costumers can now buy a WRC related car, just like in Gr.A days.
The rumour is now Toyota have a 20% stake in Subaru they are jointly developing the next generation Subaru STI, and that the 4wd system could be used in both the Subaru and a hot Yaris, so this may well be a 4wd model.

[mknight]

Well Latvala and Tanak both mentioned that modification done to rear wing had made very minor difference, speed has been the same it just seems like other teams have caught up bit more.

Tänak typically lead by 30-40 secs before launch on Saturday on almost every rally between Finland 2018 and 2019, then suddenly a month later he is fighting with both Neuville and Ogier for 2-3 secs per stage max. Similarly stages with average speed over some 120 kph used to be Toyota 1-2-3 in that period, that doesn't happen any more.
Note that Hyundai and Citroen did no changes (homologation) to their cars since Finland. Toyota had to resize the wing.

Toyota team will off course claim the wing did nothing at all, cause following different rules than other teams for 2,5 years is rather problematic. As you might recall it seems the whole WRC allive crew got a gag order about it too. Not a single mention when the very different wing arrived in Turkey, while they used a lot of time to comment on Hyundai adding one extra small fin for Finland.

[deephouse]

Nah, Makinen just told their drivers (I mean Tanak): put foot of gas pedal so it can be more fun 😅

[racerx1979]

They surely keep their promises; this Yaris homologation special was announced 2 years ago: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?37343-TOYOTA-GAZOO-Racing-WRT/page24

It’s a sort of 2 in 1; their new WRC gets an improved base and general costumers can now buy a WRC related car, just like in Gr.A days.

Yep, Toyota doing what the fans want. Hopefully other manufacturers will follow this trend. The Group A days were great with All-Tracs, VR-4's, Integrale's, Cossies and Subies...

[racerx1979]

Confirmed... its 4WD. Basically a Lancer or STI made by Toyota which is awesome!

[jparker]

This negative talk against TGR is going on and on. Quite boring really. It's quite questionable whether TGR lost Tanak or the other way around. Soon we'll see...

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Toyoda:
"I will set a goal for next year: In 2020, we will all celebrate together for achieving all the titles at the final round in Japan. So let’s keep fighting together again next year."

https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/wrc/1114-01.html

[Allez Andruet]

Unpopular opinion, but I'd still say the best, though undeniably high risk, option for TGR is to put all their faith in Latvala. Pending he clears his head during the off-season ofcourse. Make JML the #1, let Kalle learn in the third car and hire whoever is suitable for the #2 role. And no, this can not be justified based on 2019, but IMO there's still more unused potential in Latvala than there is in Meeke for example. And Evans, even with all his seasons in WRC, I feel is still a bit too green to take the #1 role. Anyway, not an easy one for Tommi...

[steve.mandzij]

Unpopular opinion, but I'd still say the best, though undeniably high risk, option for TGR is to put all their faith in Latvala. Pending he clears his head during the off-season ofcourse. Make JML the #1, let Kalle learn in the third car and hire whoever is suitable for the #2 role. And no, this can not be justified based on 2019, but IMO there's still more unused potential in Latvala than there is in Meeke for example. And Evans, even with all his seasons in WRC, I feel is still a bit too green to take the #1 role. Anyway, not an easy one for Tommi...I always count on you to be as big a fan of Latvala as me :D

[wrc2017]

Unpopular opinion, but I'd still say the best, though undeniably high risk, option for TGR is to put all their faith in Latvala. Pending he clears his head during the off-season ofcourse. Make JML the #1, let Kalle learn in the third car and hire whoever is suitable for the #2 role. And no, this can not be justified based on 2019, but IMO there's still more unused potential in Latvala than there is in Meeke for example. And Evans, even with all his seasons in WRC, I feel is still a bit too green to take the #1 role. Anyway, not an easy one for Tommi...

You are soo sooo far away with that one

[AL14]

Unpopular opinion, but I'd still say the best, though undeniably high risk, option for TGR is to put all their faith in Latvala. Pending he clears his head during the off-season ofcourse. Make JML the #1, let Kalle learn in the third car and hire whoever is suitable for the #2 role. And no, this can not be justified based on 2019, but IMO there's still more unused potential in Latvala than there is in Meeke for example. And Evans, even with all his seasons in WRC, I feel is still a bit too green to take the #1 role. Anyway, not an easy one for Tommi...

You don't change a man after so many years. Latvala has passed his high and hasn't been able to match with the bests both mentally and also speedwise since he had to take more risk to keep the pace of Sebs (unless he was in his day but that happened only once in a while). I like Latvala as a person and as a driver, I remeber his best year, in 2014 when he was not far from Ogier after Alsace and a few rallys left. That year was his high, together with his first year in Toyota but if you want to win you need something more than raw speed, that's what Tanak got after the DMACK season and Latvala never got unfortunately.

Toyota should hire Ogier if they want to win the championship but I don't know how difficult it is or if it is feasible due to Tommy being the boss, I'm not following the silly season this year.

[Indreq]

You don't change a man after so many years. Latvala has passed his high and hasn't been able to match with the bests both mentally and also speedwise since he had to take more risk to keep the pace of Sebs (unless he was in his day but that happened only once in a while). I like Latvala as a person and as a driver, I remeber his best year, in 2014 when he was not far from Ogier after Alsace and a few rallys left. That year was his high, together with his first year in Toyota but if you want to win you need something more than raw speed, that's what Tanak got after the DMACK season and Latvala never got unfortunately.

Toyota should hire Ogier if they want to win the championship but I don't know how difficult it is or if it is feasible due to Tommy being the boss, I'm not following the silly season this year.

I would say JML is most mentally fragile top driver at the moment. Which is sad and bit strange. Most drivers mature and become stronger (Tänak being perfect example), at later years just lose some edge (Loeb) but they dont usually fall apart like that.

[AL14]

I would say JML is most mentally fragile top driver at the moment. Which is sad and bit strange. Most drivers mature and become stronger (Tänak being perfect example), at later years just lose some edge (Loeb) but they dont usually fall apart like that.

He gave everything he had to win the championship. One should just admire him for that. Now he knows that he will never win it. Tanak being faster than him already in his first rallys in Toyota just put an end to all his hopes. Without that motivation he lost some speed.

[EstWRC]

Toyoda:
"I will set a goal for next year: In 2020, we will all celebrate together for achieving all the titles at the final round in Japan. So let’s keep fighting together again next year."

https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/wrc/1114-01.html

so thats why Toyoda was confident....they will have Ogier now

[EstWRC]

Toyota GAZOO Racing WRT
@TGR_WRC
·
9m
Our season ends traditionally with a trip to @ToyotaMotorCorp headquarters which is located in Tokyo, Japan.

All drivers received a special memento from a Yaris WRC engine that were important for them.


The special memento is a piston from Yaris WRC engine:

@JariMattiWRC Rally Australia 2018 winning engine
@KrisMeeke Rallye Deutchland 2019 triple podium
@OttTanak Rally Spain 2019 a place where he was crowned as a new WRC Champion

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJzQ2IuXUAADxI-?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJzQ2IxXUAAJEH2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJzBK3HUwAAq_Ac?format=jpg&name=4096x4096