Friday, February 7, 2025
spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img
HomeRacingToyota believes Rovanperä's WRC return will benefit Evans

Toyota believes Rovanperä’s WRC return will benefit Evans


Toyota expects Calle Rovanperä to return to full-time World Rally Championship drive as teammate elfyn evans “Very strong” this year.

The Japanese team is preparing to begin its pursuit of both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in Monte Carlo next week with an expanded line-up that includes four full-time drivers and a partial campaign for eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier. ,

Among its full-time roster is two-time world champion Rovanperä, who is eyeing a third world title in 2025 after opting to begin a partial campaign last year. The Finn will be joined by last year’s title runner-up Evans. Takamoto Katsuta And sami priest,

In contrast, Toyota fielded only two full-time drivers last year in Evans and Katsuta, with Rovanperä and Ogier supporting part-time roles. This meant there was more pressure on Evans to deliver championship points from the round of 13.

Reflecting on Rovanperä’s full-time return and the decision to expand its driver roster, Toyota Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala Confident that strength in numbers will give Evans the advantage in his quest for a first world title.

“When we went in with two full-time drivers we knew it would be a little more difficult season and that’s what it turned out to be,” Latvala said.

Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

“Eventually we had to ask Sebastian to run more events than he was willing to do. For 2025, the plan was to have three full-time drivers but now we have four full-time drivers.

“I think also for Elfin it is good when there is another driver fighting for the title because it means he does not have pressure on his shoulders (from a manufacturers’ championship point of view) because he is not alone.

“It’s a little tough for him, but with Calle I think Elfin can be very strong in 2025. I think he can be back in the fight for the championship.”

When asked if the expanded Toyota line-up could help their 2025 campaign, the four-time WRC title runner-up told Autosport: “There’s strength in numbers, I think it’s a very strong line-up. is up.

“At the end of the day both things go hand in hand. I want points, the team wants points and ultimately the better job you do for yourself benefits the team and we have always gone with that mentality since the beginning ” 2020.

“I just have to focus on doing my best work. I don’t really have to worry about anything else.”

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Evans stepped up his preparation for Monte Carlo by completing pre-event testing in France driving a GR Yaris. Without hybrid power for the first timeeven while driving New Hankook tires for 2025,

“We know that the introduction of Hankook for 2025 and of course the technical regulations (no hybrids) mean that we will probably have to adapt a bit on all surfaces, and learn a bit with the new tires but it’s all Is the same for,” Evans said after his trial.

“For Monte Carlo, we have the largest choice of tires available and of course nowadays we have very limited testing, it is very difficult to try those tires in all different conditions.

“We had rainy conditions (during testing) so we will have that experience but it is difficult to get the full picture.

“As we know the Monte is extremely challenging and adapting to the conditions is basically the key to making the right tire call at the right time and of course staying out of trouble.

“We know how difficult and how easy it is to make one small mistake that can completely ruin your weekend. It’s easier said than done, but we still have to go out there and do our best Have to try.”

Also read:

in this article

tom howard

wrc

elfyn evans

toyota racing

Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics



Source link

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -
Google search engine

Most Popular

Recent Comments

Enable Notifications OK No thanks