Toyota Gazoo Racing Clinches Fifth Consecutive WRC Manufacturers' Title

Kalle Rovanperä, alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen, delivered a stellar performance that underscored Toyota's superiority in the rallying world. Their victory was the 11th triumph for the GR YARIS Rally1 car this season, highlighting the vehicle's exceptional reliability and performance. Rovanperä's success came after a fierce battle against teammates Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais on the challenging asphalt roads traversing Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The race saw Ogier encounter difficulties, sliding into a tree after losing pressure in his front-left tire, which allowed Rovanperä to seize and maintain the lead comfortably.

The rally was not only a demonstration of individual brilliance but also a testament to the team's collective strength. Elfyn Evans, driving car 33, further solidified Toyota's dominance by securing a second-place finish. This result was crucial as it allowed Evans to reclaim the lead in the drivers’ championship from Ott Tänak by a narrow margin. The race was tightly contested, with Evans starting the final day just 8.4 seconds behind Tänak. However, he displayed remarkable skill and determination to outpace the Hyundai driver by 6.7 seconds on the final stage, thus reclaiming his position at the top of the standings.

The victory in Central Europe marks Toyota’s ninth WRC manufacturers’ title overall, positioning them just one title short of Lancia’s record. The achievement was celebrated by the team’s hierarchy, including Chairman Akio Toyoda, who praised the team’s unwavering dedication and performance. Toyoda highlighted the contributions of Deputy Team Principal Juha Kankkunen and expressed excitement about the upcoming challenges, including the anticipated return of Lancia to the WRC2 competition.

As the rally season progresses, the focus now shifts to the penultimate round in Japan, which holds particular significance for the team. The Rally Japan, set against the scenic backdrop of the Aichi and Gifu prefectures, offers Toyota a chance to further consolidate their standings on familiar terrain. Drivers like Takamoto Katsuta, who showed impressive form in Central Europe, are eager to perform well on home soil. Katsuta finished fourth overall in the rally, showcasing his growing prowess and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The competition remains fierce as Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, and Kalle Rovanperä are all in close contention for the drivers’ championship. With just two rounds left, the battle promises to be intense, with each driver striving to maximize points in the remaining races. Evans, leading the standings with 247 points, holds a slight edge over Ogier and Rovanperä, both tied at 234 points. The final stages of the season are poised to deliver high drama and excitement as the drivers aim to etch their names in rallying history.

As the dust settles from the Central European Rally, Toyota's focus remains steadfast on achieving excellence. The team is determined to not only maintain their dominance in the manufacturers’ standings but also to secure the drivers’ championship. With the Rally Japan on the horizon, the team is gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating finale to an already enthralling season. The spirit of competition and camaraderie within the team, as noted by Juha Kankkunen, will be pivotal in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.