In a recent snow rally, Toyota’s factory duo showcased their skills and the capabilities of the GR Yaris Rally1 cars. The event served as a valuable opportunity for the drivers to gather crucial miles before the WRC Rally Sweden. While the rally had its fair share of challenges, it ultimately highlighted the potential of Toyota’s rally cars.
Despite facing tough competition, Elfyn Evans emerged as the winner of the snow rally, securing a convincing victory. He finished with a 5m02.3s margin ahead of Mikko Heikkila, the reigning Finnish rally champion in 2022. Evans’ success was even more remarkable considering the setbacks experienced by long-time leader Kalle Rovanpera, who faced technical issues during the final stage.
Kalle Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen displayed exceptional driving skills throughout the rally, leading in 11 out of the 12 stages. They established a significant lead, surpassing Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin by 24.6s at the end of Friday. Rovanpera’s outstanding performance, including winning four of the five stages, allowed him to increase his lead to 54.5s. However, his rally came to an unfortunate end when a technical issue struck during the final stage.
Despite missing out on the overall victory, Rovanpera acknowledged the importance of the rally in terms of testing and improving the car. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the event and believed that the testing allowed them to identify the necessary adjustments and tweaks for better performance. Rovanpera’s positive attitude toward the testing phase exhibited his commitment to achieving optimal results in future competitions.
Elfyn Evans acknowledged the significance of participating in the snow rally and accumulating mileage on snow and ice. The unique surface of these conditions requires specific handling techniques, making it crucial for drivers to gain experience in these conditions. Evans recognized that the mileage obtained during the rally provided a massive benefit and proved to be instrumental in his victory. However, he also highlighted the ongoing work required to fine-tune the car and ensure total comfort behind the wheel.
Toyota’s WRC team principal, Jari-Matti Latvala, also participated in the rally, demonstrating the team’s commitment to testing and development. Latvala finished 20th overall while driving a Toyota Celica ST185. Additionally, Toyota’s WRC Challenge drivers, Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto, showcased their skills by finishing in ninth and tenth place respectively.
In a separate event, former M-Sport’s WRC driver, Pierre-Louis Loubet, claimed victory in the Qatar International Rally. Loubet showcased his talent in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, ultimately beating fellow driver Mads Ostberg by a narrow margin of 4.6s. This triumph highlighted the competitiveness of the rally and the caliber of drivers participating in the sport.
The snow rally served as a platform for Toyota to showcase the capabilities of their GR Yaris Rally1 cars. The event saw Elfyn Evans claim a stunning victory, thanks to his exceptional driving skills. Additionally, Kalle Rovanpera’s remarkable performance, despite encountering technical issues, demonstrated the potential of the car. As the drivers continue to fine-tune their vehicles and prepare for future competitions, Toyota’s presence in the world of rally racing appears promising and poised for success.
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