TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[ouvreur]

As the topic is Toyota here, then - with statements and attitude - if Toyota will not win Finland, it's their huge failure and if someone else will win, it's their huge success. So it is a bit self-generated pressure and they need to deliver. At the moment seems highly likely that they (well, Rovanperä) will.

Yeah, that's the feeling I had reading the Dirtfish article. It could backfire spectacularly. Last year they ended up with humble pie for dinner on Sunday, after all their pre-event hype / team photos / PR activity... same in Japan too. Kalle seems to thrive under pressure, and has proven himself to be able to deliver, but last year he was trying pretty hard and still couldn't manage. I hope at least we'll have a close fight...

[Eli]

But this year Ott’s in the Puma and if the ugly rear head of the reliability shows up again it will be Rovanperä’s win.

[meh]

Rally Finland is a bit problematic for Kalle, he has solid lead in the standings but can't afford to take too many stupid risks.

it was also the case last year

[jiipee64]

https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2023/0803-01/

Toyota invests in Jyväskylä

[EstWRC]

Congrats again!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231001/5868998d721daf9788dd506a043d23dd.jpg

[sinepikohv]

It's nice to see Toyota is planning on building another car: Rally3.
https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000009894292.html

[Indreksi]

Tommi Mäkinen's collaboration with Toyota has officially ended! :mark::mark::mark:

https://ralli.ee/tommi-makineni-koostoo-toyota-on-ametlikult-loppenud/

[Rallyper]

Tommi Mäkinen's collaboration with Toyota has officially ended! :mark::mark::mark:

https://ralli.ee/tommi-makineni-koostoo-toyota-on-ametlikult-loppenud/

However seems to be in full agreement. And communication still going on, according to article.

[becher]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-has-2024-update-but-wont-use-it-straightaway/?fbclid=IwAR2r9lnIneGlthapGaQ-LJA2LS-cmf332O39SUNQMMIVGnJHOEW827jLUSA

[EstWRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-has-2024-update-but-wont-use-it-straightaway/?fbclid=IwAR2r9lnIneGlthapGaQ-LJA2LS-cmf332O39SUNQMMIVGnJHOEW827jLUSA

wise choice i would say, they are ahead anyway so can easily afford this

[denkimi]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-has-2024-update-but-wont-use-it-straightaway/?fbclid=IwAR2r9lnIneGlthapGaQ-LJA2LS-cmf332O39SUNQMMIVGnJHOEW827jLUSA
The whole token thing is a retarded idea that should never have existed. It not only makes it nearly impossible for teams to catch up to their competitors, it also makes it impossible for teams to adjust their cars to changing driver lineups. If tanak finds they hyundai once again impossible to drive with his style, there is almost nothing that can be done due to the tokens not allowing change.

[Tauri_J]

Then he should adjust, great drivers tend to do that.

But I agree with the token system, its rubbish. I remember when it was on F1. Horrible to be a Mclaren fan.

[EstWRC]

they are adjusting, but to fight for the title everything must come together.

Like Ogier with VW, Loeb with Citroen, Tänak with Toyota or now Kalle in Toyota.

[becher]

The whole token thing is a retarded idea that should never have existed. It not only makes it nearly impossible for teams to catch up to their competitors, it also makes it impossible for teams to adjust their cars to changing driver lineups. If tanak finds they hyundai once again impossible to drive with his style, there is almost nothing that can be done due to the tokens not allowing change.
It's a fine line between cost saving and dumbing down the championship...

But I agree, there should be more freedom. As a Abiteboul said at the beginning of his role at Hyundai, more technical developments creat more stories. Might not entice "Drive to survive typ" fans but some people for sure.

[EstWRC]

Tom Fowler and the aero topics of Toyota in 2023

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2023/11/13/tom-fowler-and-the-aero-topics-of-toyota-in-2023/

[240RS]

Although there were rumours, it's still feels like a big surprise that Kalle won't defend his drivers's crown next year.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rovanpera-steps-down-to-part-wrc-program-in-2024/

[seb_sh]

Could it be Evans year? Katsuta won't challenge him and the Ogier/Rovanpera combo can come in and beat Neuville/Tanak, Evans can do his thing and could come out on top at the end of the year.

[bomber21]

Kalle, which is 23 years old, said he already drives rally for 15 years, which is bit ridiculous.

[meh]

If Rovanperä goes to fast-gravel rallies not-first-on-the-road and Ogier to not-that-fast-gravel rallies not first on the road, there is quite big chance that they take the wins there - big points away from others.. but, including Evans. So far Toyota has not used team-orders and actually it is hard to see also that Ogier or Rovanperä could go to start when they know that they need to give position away for Evans (for drivers title). From manu title point of view it makes sense - most likely they get more wins (or at least have some advantage to do so) than Hyundai non-full-season drivers.

[spyros]

Just cant believe it, i thought that he can dominate for years, its very strange, on the other hand Elfyn as no 1 i dont know if he can do it mentally.

[EstWRC]

For me it isn’t strange. He has been driving since 4 years old and achieved already everything, can understand totally that he hasn’t got the motivation anymore

But I have to admit I’m surprised a little cause I didn’t believe the rumors

[becher]

The fourth Toyota would be free to rent for the full year then?

[meh]

The fourth Toyota would be free to rent for the full year then?

We don't know which rallies someone is doing. Ogier and Rovanperä both with half-season does not mean they divide all the rallies, they may compete somewhere together as well.

[becher]

We don't know which rallies someone is doing. Ogier and Rovanperä both with half-season does not mean they divide all the rallies, they may compete somewhere together as well.
Could be, I think Dirtfish phrased it like they won't meet this season but who knows if that's accurate.

[EstWRC]

I guess Sweden, Poland, Latvia and Finland for sure for Kalle.

At least I can’t see Ogier at those rallies.

And Japan for all the drivers I guess

[CeskyOndra]

I would add maybe Chile?

[Sulland]

For me it isn’t strange. He has been driving since 4 years old and achieved already everything, can understand totally that he hasn’t got the motivation anymore

But I have to admit I’m surprised a little cause I didn’t believe the rumors

It also tells me there are too many rounds, too much travel and too much hassle being a factory driver!

[AndyRAC]

It also tells me there are too many rounds, too much travel and too much hassle being a factory driver!

While MotoGP/ F1 can get away with having 20 plus rounds; at the moment, the WRC isn't big enough to have more than 10 in my opinion. WEC only has about 8-9......that's called being sensible.

[rallyfiend]

While MotoGP/ F1 can get away with having 20 plus rounds; at the moment, the WRC isn't big enough to have more than 10 in my opinion. WEC only has about 8-9......that's called being sensible.

Circuit racers turn up on a Thursday and leave on a Sunday.

It must seem luxurious compared to a WRC event that includes three days of recce.....

[Tauri_J]

I would not say too many. F1 has twice as much rounds but obviously right now rally takes a whole week to complete. Recce starts already monday/tuesday.

Why not Wednesday and Thursday for recce? Then Shakedown at friday morning, rally itself starts friday afternoon. Could easily run 300km. Friday 75 km, Saturday 150 and Sunday 75.
Throw in nightstages where possible and points for stages/legs and more tyre changes.

[Sulland]

While MotoGP/ F1 can get away with having 20 plus rounds; at the moment, the WRC isn't big enough to have more than 10 in my opinion. WEC only has about 8-9......that's called being sensible.

If you ask them, they also feel that it is way to many rounds.
There has to be room to live an ok personal or family life as well.

[PLuto]

I would not say too many. F1 has twice as much rounds but obviously right now rally takes a whole week to complete. Recce starts already monday/tuesday.

Why not Wednesday and Thursday for recce? Then Shakedown at friday morning, rally itself starts friday afternoon. Could easily run 300km. Friday 75 km, Saturday 150 and Sunday 75.
Throw in nightstages where possible and points for stages/legs and more tyre changes.

I will prefer to make less races than making them shorter...

[Tauri_J]

They are already 300-320km

[denkimi]

It also tells me there are too many rounds, too much travel and too much hassle being a factory driver!
13 rounds, 13 weeks. that leaves 39 weeks without rally. even with the testing and everything else that needs to be done as a factory driver, that still is way less days of work than every normal working person.

[rp]

13 rounds, 13 weeks. that leaves 39 weeks without rally. even with the testing and everything else that needs to be done as a factory driver, that still is way less days of work than every normal working person.

Before the events they are watching onboards all the time many weeks. Have to remember also that current generation of the young people are not keen to work like previous ones. They have limits.

[macebig]

It's kinda far fetched to say WRC is more taxing nowadays. Teams used to test for months for the Safari till the 90s. Events were 5+ days and spawned thousands of competitive miles. And most drivers were also doing ERC or BRC rounds and the odd local rally, (plus Asia-Pacific for Japanese teams). Now, it's just some days of testing, a week in each rally location and maybe 1-2 local events more as a show/promotional event. Yeah, events have become more of a sprint, where you need to be 100% at most of times than endurance and management, but cars are definitely much easier to handle.

[ictus]

13 rounds, 13 weeks. that leaves 39 weeks without rally. even with the testing and everything else that needs to be done as a factory driver, that still is way less days of work than every normal working person.

It's not the 70's...
the drivers have tons of marketing/media work, not to mention testing, development, training both phisical and mental. So i'd say an avarage 9 to 5 worker has a way easier life work wise

[1988senna]

I guess Sweden, Poland, Latvia and Finland for sure for Kalle.

At least I can’t see Ogier at those rallies.

And Japan for all the drivers I guess

Kalle won't be back before June. military service need at least half year

[Danny0405]

Kalle won't be back before June. military service need at least half year

A lot of people are talking about this but as far as I know, Latvala began very young in WRC and never had this issue… and apparently, this military service in Finland exists for 100 years from what I’ve read. Never heard about that for other Finnish guys too. But I may miss something.
And even if… I’m pretty sure he could obtain an exemption for one Rally.

[TypeR]

If it was military, I'm quite sure he would have said that, it's nothing to be ashamed of.
And if really needed, I believe there are ways to find something why one cannot go there..
I have heard that in Finland there is possible to serve it half and half time(for sportsmen)..

[dimviii]

Kalle won't be back before June. military service need at least half year

is it possible to take 10 days from military to compete at a rally?

[rp]

Kalle won't be back before June. military service need at least half year

Kalle is already so busy next year that there is no time for military service.

[NoFear85]

Kalle is already so busy next year that there is no time for military service.

Did I miss something? or you know something more?

[becher]

At the start of the season Rovanperä spoke about personal difficulties, could this be the reason for his part time program?

[Myrvold]

I have heard that in Finland there is possible to serve it half and half time(for sportsmen)..

From a different forum, I've read that this partiuclar loophole has been closed.

[lmmjvss]

Kalle: "let me do the european drift masters, I dont want to travel anymore"

FIA: well... We got Kalle, lets make it a FIA WORLD championship

Hahaha

[Rallyper]

Kalle is already so busy next year that there is no time for military service.

I guess "rp" knows a lot...

[1988senna]

is it possible to take 10 days from military to compete at a rally?
there should have some test before back,so Poland maybe the earliest event

[1988senna]

Kalle is already so busy next year that there is no time for military service.

can you please share something??

[svstock]

Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 (R5)
https://i.imgur.com/VraNGK6.png

registered in Estonia (special red plate) reg nr. SP0674
VIN: MXPA12TGRRQ02

Vehicle history check from https://eteenindus.mnt.ee/public/soidukDetailvaadeAvalik.jsf?lang=en

First registration: 24.03.2023
Category: passenger car
Body: racing car
Body colour: black
Engine: 1618 cm³
Engine power: 210 kW
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: four wheel drive
Registration certificate: EN035925
Motor third party liability insurance is valid »

Motor third party liability insurance validity
Document no. Insurer Type Valid from Valid until
L007324279 ERGO Insurance SE Leping 24.03.2023 Tulevikus

First registration: 24.03.2023
Registration in Estonia: 24.03.2023
Registered in Estonia as a new vehicle
Category: passenger car
Category marking: M1
Body: racing car
Body colour: black
Multicoloured: No
Engine model: G16E
Engine capacity: 1618 cm³
Engine power: 210 kW
Fuel: Gasoline
Vehicle fuel type: Mono fuel
Catalytic converter: Yes
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: four wheel drive
Maximum speed: -
Speed limit: -

Dimensions
Length 3995 mm
Width 1805 mm
Height 1455 mm
Track -
Weights
Technical maximum mass 1500 kg
Authorized maximum mass 1500 kg
Kerb mass 1230 kg
Load bearing capacity 270 kg
Maximum weight of coupling with brakes 0 kg
Maximum weight of coupling without brakes 0 kg
Weight of road train -
Permissible load bearing capacity of coupling -
Environment
Emission standard -
CO2 (NEDC) -
CO2 (WLTP) -
Noise emission while standing -
Noise emission while driving -
Axles and tires
Number of axles 2
Number of wheels 4
Wheelbase 2560 mm
Number of undercarriages 0
Miscellaneous information
Location of VIN kõrvalistuja istme all
Location of the manufacturer's data plate -
Number of doors 2
Number of seats 2
Modification RALLY2
Type XPA1G
Variant -
Version -
No of type approval e29*NIV18/858*005130
Extension of type approval 00
Type of bodywork AB
Comments ÜKSIKSÕIDUKI KINNITUS: KASUTATAV TREENING- JA VÕISTLUSPERIOODIL.
Reconstruction permit
Fuel consumption
In town -
On road -
Average (NEDC) -
Average (WLTP) -

Axles Tires Maximum axle weight Official wheel/axle load Steered axle Driving axle
1.axle 225/40 R18 205/55 R15 970 kg 970 kg ✅ ✅
2.axle 225/40 R18 205/65 R15 900 kg 900 kg - ✅

Data Transaction
24.03.2023 Registration plate, Registration in Estonia
13.03.2023 Pre-registration inspection of compliance with requirements

https://i.imgur.com/SSLQ7E5.jpg

[becher]

Wasn't the displacement limited at 1600cm^3? Was it changed for the Yaris or was it always at something like 1650cm^3?

[ictus]

Wasn't the displacement limited at 1600cm^3? Was it changed for the Yaris or was it always at something like 1650cm^3?

Isn't the Fabia also 1620cm3?

[TWRC]

Wasn't the displacement limited at 1600cm^3? Was it changed for the Yaris or was it always at something like 1650cm^3?

I think it changed when the Clio R3T was homologated, and the max displacement became 1620 ccm.

[becher]

Ah thanks, I missed the Skoda being 1620cm^3 as well.

[Eli]

I guess they saw everyone excited about the Yaris in Finland and the current Rally2 Car and thought to take it up a notch:
https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1734430375651483801/photo/1

And in a bit more detail: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-unveils-radical-new-livery-for-2024-wrc/

[EstWRC]

Oh wow. Didn’t believe they will change the livery at all.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231212/b62484db360e32753efd509e10d2c160.jpg


Your turn now Hyundai

[RS]

Much better, the red & white had become so boring.

[ictus]

a black rally car will only look good in Sweden, if there will be snow

[EstWRC]

A video too

https://x.com/tgr_wrc/status/1734477118770176196?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[TypeR]

Good to see some new livery!
Will we see some changes in Portugal, Sardegna, Greece due to possible high temperatures?

[drive]

Good to see some new livery!
Will we see some changes in Portugal, Sardegna, Greece due to possible high temperatures?

white/silver roof would be enough

[wyler]

white/silver roof would be enough

it has already reflective silver roof!

[doubled1978]

I like it, something new and different.
I wonder if this is something that other TGR projects will change as well, like the WEC car.

[doubled1978]

I like it, something new and different.
I wonder if this is something that other TGR projects will change as well, like the WEC car.

EDIT.
I just read the DirtFish article and it says the WEC car will also be Matt black.

[rallyfiend]

WEC and WRC were launched at the same time:

https://toyotagazooracing.com/pressrelease/2023/1212-03/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Finally something new from TGR ! It's not amazing but it's better than the usual same-again.

Now Hyundai needs a new look and the WRC will be refreshed in aesthetics at least.

[WRC1]

it is the most awfull "livery" ever...no, wait it is not even a Livery, it is a Black Car with some Stickers....a shame for a Factory entry...and from a fotographer point of view its simply a nightmare

[MartijnS]

Really like it, better than the last years.

[Matthew]

Congrats to Kalle Rovanperä for winning his second drivers' championship title.

[lmmjvss]

I dont know if this will make sense because its a really weird thought, but after seeing the WRC and the WEC cars I kiiinda felt something like: "Well, Toyota is no longer 100% behind these teams anymore. They are moving these programs to Gazoo only" - And I KNOW Gazoo is literally a Toyota's arm. I dont know how to explain my thoughts, especially since english is not my first language, but it kiiiinda felt like Toyota TOYOTA removed one of its foots from WRC and WEC. haha something like that, Idk

Gotta wait and see if the Dakar truck will be black too.
If comes out white/red, then you can say my intuition is NOT 100% wrong haha

Add to that Kalle leaving half of the season and Nasser leaving the Dakar team. They told their reasons but maaaaybe theres more?

[Kenneth]

There was only G and R letter on the old livery too.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/off-road/dakar/toyota-confirms-five-crews-for-dakar-2024/

I'm aware it's concerning Dakar, but with speculation about the WRC & WEC livery, here the Hilux is also in mat black with the only difference having the red-bull logo on one(?) of the five competing entries.

[Eli]

https://mailchi.mp/tgr-wrt/gr-yaris-rally2-granted-fia-homologation

Looking forward to Monte-Carlo.

[SubaruNorway]

Just realized it has a roof flag, finally.

[seb_sh]

Rovanpera will join Latvala in an endurance race in Japan

https://www.dailysportscar.com/2024/01/15/kalle-rovanpera-to-make-sportscar-racing-debut-at-super-taikyu-fuji-24-hours.html

[fiscorpun]

Do we know if theres round where Toyota will only run Elfyn and Taku?
I imagine Hyundai will ALWAYS have 3 cars, but I guess Toyota could run just two cars in some events, eh?
That'd be so lame... 7 Rally1s

[Morte66]

I feel like this year will be a test for Toyota's "no team orders" approach.

Ogier and Rovanpera will be driving with road position on the gravel, and ought to beat Evans, who will probably be their main WDC contender.

I'm inclined to think they still won't have orders, they seem pretty determined about that, but we'll see.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I feel like this year will be a test for Toyota's "no team orders" approach.

Ogier and Rovanpera will be driving with road position on the gravel, and ought to beat Evans, who will probably be their main WDC contender.

I'm inclined to think they still won't have orders, they seem pretty determined about that, but we'll see.

Well they didnt pull Ogier back behind Evans in Monte, even when it was clear he wasn't going to win...

It might have only cost Evans one point but they all mount up by the end of the season. And with a 2 v 1 in favour of Hyundai and their history of 'strategy' then Evans is really up against it.

[fiscorpun]

Kalle and Elfyn leading the Lapland rally ....heheh
Rally2 Yaris P2 and P3 in the overall (Excluding the Rally1 cars)

[RS]

Kalle and Elfyn leading the Lapland rally ....heheh
Rally2 Yaris P2 and P3 in the overall (Excluding the Rally1 cars)

The Yaris Rally2 seems to be about 2s/km from the Rally1s which is about normal for a leading Rally2 car, and competitive with the Skodas here so it seems they should be more competitive in Sweden than they were in Monte Carlo.

[EstWRC]

It’s much more competitive.

Even Linnamäe is showing some really decent times

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Arctic Rally Live here if you want to watch...

https://www.youtube.com/live/qfe45CeBIBA?si=uncgQD8o93RWy7ca

[Rallyper]

Heikkilä wins in Toyota Rally2 over Asunmaa. First win? Thought maybe engine wouldn´t have enough power. But this proves the opposite. Fast stages, winter tyres. Toyota Rally 2 seems good enough.

[EstWRC]

And Kalle stopped on last stage

Don’t know the reason atm

[RS]

Heikkilä wins in Toyota Rally2 over Asunmaa. First win? Thought maybe engine wouldn´t have enough power. But this proves the opposite.

It's more complicated than that i think.. might be good on fast stages but less good on slower, twistier stuff. We'll need more rallies to judge i think.

[Rallyper]

It's more complicated than that i think.. might be good on fast stages but less good on slower, twistier stuff. We'll need more rallies to judge i think.

well, however when you need 5th gear it´s always power which decides speed.

[Kenneth]

Little off-topic, but there will be TGR livery on Formula 2 grid this season. It's driven by 23' Super Formula and SuperGT champion Ritomo Miyata.

2513

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala faced harsh criticism re no team orders – now the Finnish boss fires back:

https://rallyjournal.com/team-principal-jari-matti-latvala-faces-harsh-criticism-now-the-finnish-boss-fires-back/

[TypeR]

Haha!

First - I doubt Latvala has any power to give any orders to Ogier or Rovanpera.
He is just there to give interviews and etc.
Another thing is talking about drivers' motivation..
Toyota took the decision that made the series look like a playground by letting two of the best drivers casually drive the rallies they want and just go for the wins + now talking about driver's motivation..? :D
I wouldn't want to be in Evans' boots - on one hand you are the first driver of the team, but on the other hand your personal results don't mean anything to the team as it's okay if they take points of of him..

[focus206]

Team orders don't need to be official nor out in the open. Ogier and Kalle will most likely give their positions to Evans, if they're not about to win the rally. And towards the end of the season, they'll probably give him wins, if they can and if it's needed. Maybe even from their own will.

[240RS]

Toyota confirm suspension upgrades for Safari Rally

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/toyota-suspension-update-wrc-safari-rally-kenya/10592162/

[saco0o]

toyota going hard in finland to make more rally2 and MAYBE rally3?
https://rallyjournal.com/details-emerge-on-toyotas-major-wrc-project/

[EstWRC]

Do we know when Evans contract ends?

i think they renewed last year with Kalle and Evans but for how long? Kalle was for multi year deal i think

[Eli]

Do we know when Evans contract ends?

i think they renewed last year with Kalle and Evans but for how long? Kalle was for multi year deal i think

I think they signed him until 2025 or end of 2025, I don't remember, yeah I'm aware there's a difference.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Kalle has a contract until the end of 2026. He's returning for two full seasons from 2025.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To quote the latest Dirtfish podcast..
Is Toyota is crisis ?

Hyundai now lead them by 13 points and Neuville and Tanak are 1st & 2nd (=) in the WDC.

Is their Driver line-up flawed, is the No Team Orders a mistake, or is it all ok and just a couple of bad rallies by Evans?

[Rallyper]

Why crisis? This is a consequence of two part time top drivers. Only Evans and Katsuta never will give any safe wins.

[CeskyOndra]

Toyota isn't in trouble in winning rallies, Toyota is in trouble on Super Sunday. Tanak and Neuville are just the fastest guys on the grid except Rovanpera

[Eli]

Has anyone else noticed Pajari is using the #5 on his Toyota, same as Meeke, hopefully he won’t bin it, fingers crossed.

[Morte66]

Has anyone else noticed Pajari is using the #5 on his Toyota, same as Meeke, hopefully he won’t bin it, fingers crossed.

I'm an old Meeke fan and now a Pajari fan. That... makes my head want to explode.

[WRCStan]

Why crisis? This is a consequence of two part time top drivers. Only Evans and Katsuta never will give any safe wins.

Agree, 13 points after 7 rallies is hardly a crisis. However, safe wins or safe points aren't going to do it this year anyway. Ondra got it, the rules of the game changed and if Evans and Katsuta can't even deliver safe wins, how the fk can they deliver a driver championship?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another poor points return by Katsuta in Latvia.

Part timers Rovanpera and Ogier are having to be brought in by Toyota more and more often. Katsuta simply isn't a reliable points scoring 3rd Driver, even after so many years in a full-time seat.

[CeskyOndra]

Another poor points return by Katsuta in Latvia.

Part timers Rovanpera and Ogier are having to be brought in by Toyota more and more often. Katsuta simply isn't a reliable points scoring 3rd Driver, even after so many years in a full-time seat.

Yep... But manu title is definitely in Toyota's bag in my opinion. 2 champions with good starting position in Finland and probably Greece too.... Tarmac and Neuville must save Hyundai.

[WRCStan]

Interesting what-if; Toyota would be level with Hyundai if Taka did not run in Latvia. There's a common comment "why don't team field extra drivers", yet when they do...

[Eli]

Didn't think otherwise: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-would-like-ogier-for-the-rest-of-the-season/

[CeskyOndra]

Didn't think otherwise: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-would-like-ogier-for-the-rest-of-the-season/

So it is true, he is going for both championships... why not? good starting position in Finland and Greece... Well played.

[EstWRC]

lol he is such a weird guy in that sense, talked about his retirement since 2019? i think but now still cant fully retire

not that im against it, he adds a lot to the series and i like that he drives.

so, full time back next year?

[CeskyOndra]

Full time Ogier would be such a mess. 5 drivers battling for the championship If kalle comes back.. Wow. But please Seb, let the 3 guys go for it this year.. They deserves it.

[TypeR]

If Ogier takes the title this year, then 110% sure that he will do full season next year..
No way he let's that chance to fight for 10th go by :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The issue as I said before is Katsuta's performances just not being good enough as a full-time driver.

Toyota have made a mistake in thinking he could be the No.2 driver to Evans. He's only averaging about 8 pts per rally this season so the ex-Champions have had to be brought back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala says TGR also interested in Sesks and Solberg, as well as Pajari...

https://rallyjournal.com/jari-matti-latvala-revealed-these-three-names-are-in-toyotas-wrc-teams-sights/

[deephouse]

If Ogier takes the title this year, then 110% sure that he will do full season next year..
No way he let's that chance to fight for 10th go by :D

If he will go for it this year (I have a strong feeling he will), he will not go for it next year, because Kalle will be back. He knows that he don't have a chance.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

he will not go for it next year, because Kalle will be back. He knows that he don't have a chance.

I wouldnt be so sure. Yes Kalle is fast, but Ogier is so smart and over a full season this can be as important. The new points system can also change things compared to previous years.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The bond between father and son, Elfyn and Gwyndaf Evans (also his gravel crew member):

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/the-father-son-bond-that-extends-to-the-wrc-stages/10638189/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tom Fowler on why Toyota doesn't seem 2024 a failure...

"Toyota has outscored Hyundai 6 to 4 in event wins. And in stage wins. And in stages led... "

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-toyota-doesnt-deem-2024-a-failure-so-far/

[TypeR]

Tom Fowler on why Toyota doesn't seem 2024 a failure...

"Toyota has outscored Hyundai 6 to 4 in event wins. And in stage wins. And in stages led... "

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-toyota-doesnt-deem-2024-a-failure-so-far/
And rolls..

[mknight]

The most interesting part is that he admits the turbo failures were their fault because they deliberately changed the mapping to get more power and response from the engine.

Pushing for the last bit of performance on a rough gravel rally seems like an unnecessary risk.