Toyota expects Kalle Rovanpera’s return to a full-time World Rally Championship drive will make team-mate Elfyn Evans “a lot stronger” this yr.
The Japanese squad is gearing as much as start a tilt at each the drivers’ and producers’ titles subsequent week in Monte Carlo, with an expanded line-up that options 4 full-time drivers and a partial marketing campaign for eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.
Amongst its full-time roster is two-time world champion Rovanpera, who’s eyeing a 3rd world crown in 2025 after opting to undertake a partial marketing campaign final yr. The Finn shall be joined by Evans – final yr’s title runner-up – Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari.
In distinction, Toyota fielded solely two full-time drivers final yr within the type of Evans and Katsuta, with Rovanpera and Ogier supporting in part-time roles. It meant there was extra stress on Evans to ship championship factors from the 13 rounds.
Reflecting on Rovanpera’s full-time return and the choice to increase Toyota’s driver roster, group principal Jari-Matti Latvala is satisfied the energy in numbers will profit Evans in his quest for a maiden world title.
“After we went with two full-time drivers we knew it was going to be a bit extra of a difficult season, and it was,” mentioned Latvala.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Kalle Rovanperä, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Picture by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
“Finally we needed to ask Sebastien to drive extra occasions, which he was keen to do. For 2025, the plan was to have three drivers full-time however now we now have 4 full-time.
“Additionally I believe for Elfyn when there may be one other driver preventing for the title it’s good because it means he doesn’t have the stress on his shoulders [from a manufacturers’ championship point of view] as he isn’t alone.
“It’s a little bit arduous for him however with Kalle there I believe Elfyn may be a lot stronger in 2025. I believe he may be again within the combat for the championship.”
When requested whether or not an expanded Toyota line-up might assist his 2025 marketing campaign, the four-time WRC runner-up informed Motorsport.com: “There may be energy in numbers, I believe it’s a fairly sturdy line-up.
“On the finish of the day the 2 issues go hand in hand. I would like the factors, the group desires the factors and finally the higher job you do for your self the group advantages, and we now have at all times gone with that mentality for the reason that starting in 2020.
“I simply must deal with doing one of the best job I can. I don’t really want to fret about the rest.”
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: Toyota Racing
Evans stepped up his preparations for Monte Carlo by finishing a pre-event check in France, driving a GR Yaris with out hybrid energy for the primary time, whereas additionally working the new-for-2025 Hankook tyres.
“We all know with the introduction of Hankook for 2025 and naturally the technical laws [no hybrid] as effectively imply that we’ll in all probability have a little bit of adaptation to do on all surfaces, and a little bit of studying do with the brand new tyre, however it’s the similar for everybody,” mentioned Evans after his check.
“For Monte Carlo, we now have the largest alternative of tyres out there and naturally with very restricted testing we now have these days it is extremely tough to strive these tyres in all completely different circumstances.
“We had wet circumstances [on the test] so we may have that have however it’s arduous to get the total image.
“Monte as we all know is extraordinarily difficult and adapting to the circumstances is principally the important thing to creating the correct tyre calls on the proper time, and naturally staying out of hassle.
“We all know how tough and the way simple it’s to make even a small mistake that may fully destroy your weekend. It’s simpler mentioned than carried out, however we nonetheless must go there and provides it our greatest shot.”
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Tom Howard
WRC
Elfyn Evans
Toyota Racing
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