The factory Toyota duo participated in a snow rally to gain valuable experience driving their GR Yaris Rally1 cars ahead of the upcoming Rally Sweden. The rally proved to be a success for one driver, while the other faced technical difficulties that hindered their performance.
Evans Takes the Victory
Elfyn Evans emerged as the winner of the snow rally, finishing with a commanding lead of 5m02.3s ahead of Mikko Heikkila, the 2022 Finnish rally champion. Evans’ successful performance was a result of consistent driving and effective use of the GR Yaris Rally1 car. His victory provided valuable insights for Toyota as they continue to refine and improve their rally car.
Kalle Rovanpera, the reigning WRC champion, faced setbacks during the snow rally. Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, who are set to kick-off their WRC season in Sweden, initially led the rally through 11 stages. However, a technical issue struck on the final stage, dashing their hopes of victory. Despite the disappointment, Rovanpera acknowledged the importance of the rally in terms of gaining experience and testing the car’s performance.
Importance of Mileage on Snow and Ice
Evans emphasized the value of participating in a snow rally and accumulating mileage on the unique surfaces of snow and ice. This experience proved to be crucial for familiarizing oneself with the challenging conditions of Rally Sweden. Toyota recognized the significance of adapting their car to perform optimally in these conditions and made progress in that regard. However, Evans acknowledged the need for further adjustments to achieve complete comfort in driving the GR Yaris Rally1 car.
Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala also participated in the rally, driving a Toyota Celica ST185 and finishing 20th overall. This demonstrates the commitment of Toyota’s WRC team to be actively involved in various racing events to gain insights and gather data. Furthermore, Toyota’s WRC Challenge drivers, Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto, secured respectable ninth and 10th positions respectively in their GR Yaris Rally2 entries, showcasing Toyota’s depth of talent and commitment to nurturing young drivers.
Success in Qatar International Rally
In addition to their performance in the snow rally, Toyota celebrated success in the Qatar International Rally. Former M-Sport’s WRC driver Pierre-Louis Loubet claimed victory in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, defeating fellow driver Mads Ostberg. While this event took place separately, it further highlights Toyota’s presence and competitive spirit in the rallying world.
The snow rally served as a valuable testing ground for Toyota as they prepare for Rally Sweden. While Evans emerged victorious and made progress in optimizing the car’s performance, Rovanpera faced challenges due to technical issues. However, both drivers recognized the importance of the rally in gaining experience and refining their driving skills. Toyota’s participation in the snow rally and the Qatar International Rally signifies their commitment to continuous improvement and success in the world of rallying.
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