TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[EstWRC]

about the updates more here https://wrcwings.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/toyota-yaris-wrc-first-tests-for-2018/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DOIIFsuWkAAzN5g.jpg:large

[spark13]

May be I was under the rock and averybody new about it long time... = )but
thanks for that exciting blog link!

[racerx1979]

Same here!! I've read nearly every post of that blog after EstWRC shared a link. Good find!

[EstWRC]

The team will get numbers 7-8-9 but who will get which number? Will Tänak be getting 7 because he ended highest in the championship? Or will Latvala get 7 because he has been in the team and Tänak will get 9 because he is new in the team?

[steve.mandzij]

The team will get numbers 7-8-9 but who will get which number? Will Tänak be getting 7 because he ended highest in the championship? Or will Latvala get 7 because he has been in the team and Tänak will get 9 because he is new in the team?I'd guess Latvala 7 Tanak 8 and Lappi 9, though the numbers don't really mean much. I think Hyundai let their drivers choose their own this year.

Also, I expect to see you around this thread much more! About that profile picture now...

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[EstWRC]

http://www.rallifoorum.ee/foorum/download/file.php?id=590

[mmm]

That pic confirms that Ott is a spy for Malcolm ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala warns Tanak...

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/latvala-tanak-wont-get-easy-ride-at-toyota/

[EstWRC]

Ott Tänak given a TGR snorkel from President Toyoda to use post-Sardinia in the Alghero harbour in 2018!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPSn_n7W0AAp_PH.jpg

[Essaj]

Ott Tänak given a TGR snorkel from President Toyoda to use post-Sardinia in the Alghero harbour in 2018!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DPSn_n7W0AAp_PH.jpg

Or safety equiptment if he decides to take his Toyota for a swim aswell :D

[mknight]

Well it might come in handy if he goes into water Mexico-style again.

[AL14]

Latvala warns Tanak...

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/latvala-tanak-wont-get-easy-ride-at-toyota/

Not exactly what you would call a warm welcome lol

[Allez Andruet]

Not exactly what you would call a warm welcome lol

Naah, it's just been written in such way to make it sound nasty. I'm sure the story doesn't include anything Ott would disagree on.

[Simmi]

Absolutely bonkers TGR video featuring Jari-Matti 'the Samurai' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx_9AaW59GA

[tomhlord]

Absolutely bonkers TGR video featuring Jari-Matti 'the Samurai' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx_9AaW59GA

1.8million views and counting. Good for the WRC.

[RS]

Latvala was very much the team leader this year and his mental strength seemed better than previously, but will he be able to keep that up with a fast and experienced team mate coming on board?

[EstWRC]

Time will tell, at least he has the advantage of knowing the car for a year already, like he said it is "his" car.

what i find odd that Latvala was the last one to test the 2018 spec Jaris, maybe he has tested it in finland already, dont know about that.

[Watson]

I think as the season progresses both Tänak and Lappi can be faster than Latvala.

[mknight]

Since mid-season basically every other week there is some info how Toyota is going to be so fast and beat everyone. Further reinforced when the new 2018 aero was shown.

If you look at it from completely opposite point of view Toyota was clearly race-winning fast only in Finland. (with unlimited testing right outside of team HQ). + you can add Sweden, but Neuville was quite a bit faster.

Since their (dominant) performance in Finland they have not managed a single podium for the rest of the season.


Sure they might turn out to be the fastest in 2018, but based on the 2017 results it's far from guaranteed.

[EstWRC]

what? where have you seen or got such an info? i have only seen couple of members here in the forum predicting that they may be strong and thats it.

[Simmi]

Watching the Toyota driver power struggle is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most next year.

I was very critical of Ott during what I think was a lacklustre 2015 campaign. But the last two years he's really been a joy to watch.

He comes into the year with so much momentum. I think Jari-Matti will naturally be looking over his shoulder. He's a fragile guy and there hasn't really been too much this year to rattle him. That could quickly change next year. Lappi too with the benefit of a year in the car should be much better. I admit I did expect a bit more of him this year. But he got a win which is massive when it comes to dealing with pressure, expectations etc.

If Latvala isn't absolutely on it he could end up being the third best driver in that team.

As for the car I think it was probably the 'least sorted' package coming into this season. They were definitely a bit lastminute.com on the development. Yet they still had at least one fastest stage time on I think 11/13 rounds this year. So I think coupled with their budget they have the chance to make by far the biggest step over the off-season - including fixing those reliability issues.

Hopefully the drivers will spur each other on and Tommi can manage the personalities well. Or he won't and it will be fun to watch. I'm excited to see how it plays out.

[Rallyper]

Hopefully the drivers will spur each other on and Tommi can manage the personalities well. Or he won't and it will be fun to watch. I'm excited to see how it plays out.

Was just going to say the same after started reading your quote:

Lot of pressure on Tommi to manage the guys to perform at all rounds. Like a football team manager.

[Tarmop]

Since mid-season basically every other week there is some info how Toyota is going to be so fast and beat everyone. Further reinforced when the new 2018 aero was shown.

If you look at it from completely opposite point of view Toyota was clearly race-winning fast only in Finland. (with unlimited testing right outside of team HQ). + you can add Sweden, but Neuville was quite a bit faster.

Since their (dominant) performance in Finland they have not managed a single podium for the rest of the season.


Sure they might turn out to be the fastest in 2018, but based on the 2017 results it's far from guaranteed.

Drivers and/or car technical issues mostly. Juho was stronger than expected in the second half, Latvala was also mostly somewhere near top 5 before retiring so minus aero collecting dirt in Wales, i`d give second half a solid 4.

[racerx1979]

Was just going to say the same after started reading your quote:

Lot of pressure on Tommi to manage the guys to perform at all rounds. Like a football team manager.

They chose Tanak because he's fast and also because he's a passive laid back guy. I actually think they will all get along just fine. Lappi knows his place well as the third driver. JML might run into issues if Tanak is fast out of the box and if he lets the mind games get to him as he did in his younger days then...

[pokey2014]

No offensive.... JML seems to talk too much... Not surprised if tanak would be quicker than him.

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[Rallyper]

No offensive.... JML seems to talk too much... Not surprised if tanak would be quicker than him.

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So if JML is less talking he´ll be faster?

[EstWRC]

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/24796798_10155199480395678_8832844104506247954_n.j pg?oh=aae5c66e10078d70b18a569d11f98c9c&oe=5ACFAFF1

[ESTR]

So if JML is less talking he´ll be faster?

Hahahah good one :)

[racerx1979]

No offensive.... JML seems to talk too much... Not surprised if tanak would be quicker than him.

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This is the exact reason why I and so many others enjoy listening to JML. He is very transparent.. similar to Gronholm.

Tanak on the other hand has a 80 letter or less comment rule like Twitter. Ironically I like them both.

[er88]

Yeah I like both too, despite Tanak not being the greatest to listen too. Seems like he's had too much media training and just gives stock answers, similar to Evans actually. Suppose that's what team bosses want a lot of the time though.

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[Watson]

Yeah I like both too, despite Tanak not being the greatest to listen too. Seems like he's had too much media training and just gives stock answers, similar to Evans actually. Suppose that's what team bosses want a lot of the time though.

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I like JML. He seems like a top bloke but he talks too much. As insightful as his comments might be, sometimes he just seems eager to find excuses for underperforming.

[AnttiL]

http://www.ts.fi/urheilu/moottoriurheilu/ralli/3768132/Hanniselle+tiedossa+vain+testitoita

Hänninen says he continues doing testing for Toyota and working at his farm. At some point there were rumors of him being completely fired from the team.

[seb_sh]

http://www.ts.fi/urheilu/moottoriurheilu/ralli/3768132/Hanniselle+tiedossa+vain+testitoita

Hänninen says he continues doing testing for Toyota and working at his farm. At some point there were rumors of him being completely fired from the team.

That seems completely reasonable and in line with what he said previously, don't have the source but i remember him saying that he would like to focus on his farm after his rally career so this solution seems quite a good middle ground for him. Also I think he redeemed himself in the 2nd part of the season and let's be honest he was not going to set the rally world on fire as a rising star of the future.

[AnttiL]

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000005506467.html?ref=rss

Tommi says they are willing to sell Yaris WRC's to privateers

EDIT: not sure if renting or selling

[Andre Oliveira]

The initial desire is run one japanese by MM.

[Tarmop]

OT (Ott Tänak) racing/ G. Gross is selling their Fiesta WRC (previous spec)...go figure...
https://rallycarsforsale.net/ads/ford-fiesta-wrc-15/

[AnttiL]

OT (Ott Tänak) racing/ G. Gross is selling their Fiesta WRC (previous spec)...go figure...
https://rallycarsforsale.net/ads/ford-fiesta-wrc-15/

Latvala also always updated his hobby cars to match his team. Escort to Quattro to Celica. Didn't Tänak have a Starlet?

[Tarmop]

No, one of his sponsors, also from Saaremaa, gave one of his reserves to use on their home event.

[steve.mandzij]

I like JML. He seems like a top bloke but he talks too much. As insightful as his comments might be, sometimes he just seems eager to find excuses for underperforming.I haven't been keeping up with the forum much because Tapatalk won't send me notifications anymore, but to answer this while he does find excuses often I'd say he explains why he underperforms rather than place the blame on someone/thing else.

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[EstWRC]

i guess it will be available in the web version later on today?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSnYEvPWAAAVv9H.jpg

[EstWRC]

Simmi maybe you can share the motorsport news story?

Closer pics of the new aero stuff in front





https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSs9QKfX0AAJBTW.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSs9QKoXUAA8QPR.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSs9QKqXUAAkRQ3.jpg


https://twitter.com/Traxx_WiF/status/948919664394100736

[N.O.T]

Simmi maybe you can share the motorsport news story?



no need to share... typical imaginary stories by evans.

[Simmi]

This story was actually available late last year but better late than never. A few interesting bits from Tommi. Honestly I think Latvala is trying to talk himself into believing he can win.

I think it will be online in a few days but the main points are:

- Latvala says he and Toyota need more consistency. Speed is there
- He says he will try to use Ogier's 2017 season as the blueprint (not going for the win every round, settling for podiums etc)
- Start every rally aiming for the podium - go for the win if he can
- They found something on the suspension in Wales which really helped them. Big confidence boost
- They worked with the car in Japan post Rally Australia to help solve overheating issues (Argentina/Mexico)

- Makinen blames outsourced parts failure. 2017 retirements not the team's fault (e.g. ECU in Finland)
- Microsoft helped them get the car up to speed quicker ahead of 2017 (quicker simulations, computing power)
- Makinen helped JML get up to speed with the car initially by switching the settings to his own driving style, which is similar to Jari's. Compared to Hanninen's smoother style
- New for 2018: front aero and more suspension work. No massive changes. New front design means they can break a splitter and not have to replace the entire front bumper
- For 2020 Tommi says he'd like to take both titles. It's a big year for Toyota as they are chief sponsor of the Olympics in Tokyo

[EstWRC]

thank you!

[Simmi]

Here's the Latvala bit where he talks about his title ambitions: https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/latvala-aiming-to-mimic-ogier-in-wrc-title-fight/

[traxx]

- Latvala says he and Toyota need more consistency. Speed is there
- He says he will try to use Ogier's 2017 season as the blueprint (not going for the win every round, settling for podiums etc)
- Start every rally aiming for the podium - go for the win if he can


https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/latvala-aiming-to-mimic-ogier-in-wrc-title-fight/

[steve.mandzij]

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/latvala-aiming-to-mimic-ogier-in-wrc-title-fight/Latvala is the only person who worries me when he tries to follow a plan. It's not the same now but he's again comparing himself and trying to match Ogier. I don't know how he'll fare if he can't keep up...

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[EstWRC]

Drivers thoughts ahead of the season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv_n6O_ee-U

[EstWRC]

Fugly livery but here it is

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTQUHa7WkAAu4Ov?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTQUHaeX4AEHd5K?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTQUmcHWkAAYxiR?format=jpg&name=large

[Tarmop]

If they move those small stickers, it wouldn`t be that bad. Hopefully they were running out of time and had to put them somewhere quickly and will make it better for the eye before RMC. M-Sport also changed a bit last year.

[sonnybobiche]

They could paint the top dive plane white so at least the big rectangular sticker wouldn't be so obvious. Also, Mobil 1 must be livid about once again being put on the rear wheel arch. Their logo is basically invisible on most photos of the car, as it was last year.

[Revman]

Any race car that wins is beautiful. Just wait.

[EstWRC]

the car itself isnt ugly, it looks great and agressive with the new front aero in plain white or with just plain livery without sponsors (like the car they have had in testing this week).

its the placements of the sponsor logos that makes it very ugly, its just so random and messy....i mean, cmoonn, look at that panasonic logo on dive plane, wtf?

[AMSS]

the car itself isnt ugly, it looks great and agressive with the new front aero in plain white or with just plain livery without sponsors (like the car they have had in testing this week).

its the placements of the sponsor logos that makes it very ugly, its just so random and messy....i mean, cmoonn, look at that panasonic logo on dive plane, wtf?

Maybe it`s just me but that rear spoiler is really ugly in my eyes, and I tried to get used to looking at it but no...

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/951586832571076610

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTS3LBZX0AAHuf-.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTS3LBWXUAM7cET.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTS3LBpWkAI9mi1.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTR-7b0X4AA_wZ_.jpg

[A FONDO]

https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/951586832571076610

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTS3LBZX0AAHuf-.jpg

Ready for Mexico this time :D They needed one year to replicate Hyunday's idea and once again they took it to extremes.

[EstWRC]

so thats why they brought it in gravel-spec, they have a mud stand as you can see, the others are on red carpet :p

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTajSEOXkAAevI6.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTaRUZgWsAA-7ZO.jpg

[Allez Andruet]

https://ita-savo.fi/uutiset/urheilu/71639d02-4974-4dc9-b4df-8058f5581931

Juho confirms that he will do "development test" for TGR and as there's no actual WRC seats available, "being a
test driver is the next-best thing if you want to be involved with rallying". He's also going to Monte Carlo, which is somewhat surprising, as I don't think he's lately been seen at events he's not attending as a participant (excluding the local Finnish events ofcourse). And regaring the current TGR line-up, he says that he's been "talking a lot with the guys about the car".

[N.O.T]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTaRUZgWsAA-7ZO.jpg

that rear wing looks like something out of a lab experiment gone terribly wrong....

[steve.mandzij]

that rear wing looks like something out of a lab experiment gone terribly wrong....Form over function like Watson (I think) said. The beauty is in how it fulfills it's purpose looking like that.

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[racerx1979]

https://ita-savo.fi/uutiset/urheilu/71639d02-4974-4dc9-b4df-8058f5581931

Juho confirms that he will do "development test" for TGR and as there's no actual WRC seats available, "being a
test driver is the next-best thing if you want to be involved with rallying". He's also going to Monte Carlo, which is somewhat surprising, as I don't think he's lately been seen at events he's not attending as a participant (excluding the local Finnish events ofcourse). And regaring the current TGR line-up, he says that he's been "talking a lot with the guys about the car".

This is what I posted a few months back before the news of Juho being let go was announced. Good to know my source was correct.

[Watson]

Form over function like Watson (I think) said. The beauty is in how it fulfills it's purpose looking like that.

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I think what makes it unpleasant to look at however is that it looks clumsily bolted on. The wings of all the other cars look like a natural extension of the car whereas on the Yaris it looks like an alien third arm. Also, because of that you can't help seeing what the car looks like without the spoiler, so it looks like a racecar with all that bodywork at the front and then like a regular cheap hatchback at the back.

[AnttiL]

https://ita-savo.fi/uutiset/urheilu/71639d02-4974-4dc9-b4df-8058f5581931

Juho confirms that he will do "development test" for TGR

Already announced a month ago ;) http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?37343-TOYOTA-GAZOO-Racing-WRT&p=1165306&viewfull=1#post1165306

Maybe Juho is driving a snow/ice crew car in Monte?

[racerx1979]

Already announced a month ago ;) http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?37343-TOYOTA-GAZOO-Racing-WRT&p=1165306&viewfull=1#post1165306

Maybe Juho is driving a snow/ice crew car in Monte?

That was the plan.. Safety Crew for Lappi, but it seems Toyota is in full swing to get ready for the season opener so they have not disclosed for sure. Crews are apparently working crazy hours.

Latvala I think has Toni Gardemeister and Jakke Honkanen as safety crew. Not sure who will be the crew for Tanak.

[EstWRC]

Tänak with his old friends I guess. Kangur and Sikk

[Watson]

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/tanak-felt-like-ogier-number-two-at-m-sport-996599/

Latvala is gonna be fuming. According to him, he is the clear number one and Tanak and Lappi are his wingmen.

[ESTR]

Don't blame him, he was long in the shadow for a lot of years. Now he have a chance to be 1st driver. Tanak was only one year and he is pumped already.

[AnttiL]

https://www.katsomo.fi/sarja/mm-ralli-33002048/tommi-makinen-mestaruustaisto-ei-ole-eparealistinen-tavoite-864400
https://www.katsomo.fi/sarja/mm-ralli-33002048/esapekka-lappi-nyt-on-hyva-sanoa-etta-taistellaan-mestaruudesta-864399

Tommi Mäkinen and Esapekka Lappi interviewed at the same place separately (in Finnish). Both are asked if Tänak brought knowledge or ideas to the team. Mäkinen tries to go around the question and deny they could use Tänak's ideas, whereas Lappi sais straight away "Yeah he had some great ideas, let's see when we can incorporate them" :D

Lappi also says it's too early to think about the title, but maybe next year.

[Simmi]

https://www.katsomo.fi/sarja/mm-ralli-33002048/tommi-makinen-mestaruustaisto-ei-ole-eparealistinen-tavoite-864400
https://www.katsomo.fi/sarja/mm-ralli-33002048/esapekka-lappi-nyt-on-hyva-sanoa-etta-taistellaan-mestaruudesta-864399

Tommi Mäkinen and Esapekka Lappi interviewed at the same place separately (in Finnish). Both are asked if Tänak brought knowledge or ideas to the team. Mäkinen tries to go around the question and deny they could use Tänak's ideas, whereas Lappi sais straight away "Yeah he had some great ideas, let's see when we can incorporate them" :D

Lappi also says it's too early to think about the title, but maybe next year.

Very interesting. Like I said before the inter-Toyota battle is probably what I'm most intrigued about this year.

[steve.mandzij]

Very interesting. Like I said before the inter-Toyota battle is probably what I'm most intrigued about this year.If this breaks Latvala again I'm going to stop watching the WRC out of depression.

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[N.O.T]

If this breaks Latvala again I'm going to stop watching the WRC out of depression.

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Latvala is in the WRC since forever if you still haven't figured out how mentally fragile is by now i think you have more serious problems than depression to worry about.

[AnttiL]

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/tanak-felt-like-ogier-number-two-at-m-sport-996599/

Latvala is gonna be fuming. According to him, he is the clear number one and Tanak and Lappi are his wingmen.

Where is this said?

[Allez Andruet]

Where is this said?

Nowhere. Latvala, as a true rallyman, would a) never say something as stupid and b) hardly even think like that himself. It's all made out of one interview in which JML said that it can be hard for Tänak to get familiar with Yaris. Which is completely true.

[steve.mandzij]

Latvala is in the WRC since forever if you still haven't figured out how mentally fragile is by now i think you have more serious problems than depression to worry about.I was saying that I'd be super disappointed if Latvala cracks like at VW again.

Don't think you understood what I said, nor the joke behind it. Potato dog...

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[Watson]

Where is this said?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/133377/latvala-tanak-wont-depose-me-as-toyota-leader

While I will admit that I paraphrase him, his subtext is this is my team, I rule here. Also, he says Tanak will have to adapt so if Tanak is has more points at the end of the year he will have to admit that he made a mess of it.

Remember his moaning at VW? If Tanak is gonna be faster he'll have a nervous breakdown. The only time he looked halfway happy was when Hirvonen was his teammate. They were level in their abilities and Loeb's might was untouchable. Eversince it has been bold claims and excuses from him.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/133377/latvala-tanak-wont-depose-me-as-toyota-leader

While I will admit that I paraphrase him, his subtext is this is my team, I rule here.

Never paraphrase a Finn. Never.

The link you provided doesn't back your claim up in any way.

[Watson]

Never paraphrase a Finn. Never.

The link you provided doesn't back your claim up in any way.

That's why I said the subtext suggests he is the clear number one.

Are you seriously telling me you don't get a passive-aggressive sentiment from his statements?

Besides, I've been to Finland a number of times. Lovely place, lovely people but never have I ever heard anyone tell me not to paraphrase a Finn. What's the backstory of that?

[Allez Andruet]

Are you seriously telling me you don't get a passive-aggressive sentiment from his statements?
Oh yes. 100% serious. David Evans has written the story in a way it gets clicked (and I'm not blaming him, that's just the name of the game). I'm quite sure I know what JML meant, and that's just that it can be hard for Tänak to get familiar (and familiar in this context means the ability to grab the final 0,01s/km vs. competitors) with the Yaris.


Besides, I've been to Finland a number of times. Lovely place, lovely people but never have I ever heard anyone tell me not to paraphrase a Finn. What's the backstory of that?
Finns usually speak their minds, there's no need to paraphrase or read between the lines. But don't take it too seriously, that was just me after few beers combined with a hard week at the office.

[racerx1979]

Both JML and Tanak have been in the game for a long time. I think everyone knows that there really isn’t any superiority in this team when it comes to Latvala and Tanak. This is why everyone was yapping about how Tommi will work with two top winning drivers.

Will it be tense in the team? Hell yeah! Will JML and Tanak have issues ? You better believe it. JML will speak his feelings and Ott will say “basically we had problems”. They’re both polar opposites which is great for the team and all of us. This is what makes WRC great. When Ogier was king it was boring to watch honestly. Everyone knew they could not compete so they all lacked a bit of passion. The new cars are like Viagra for old dudes who haven’t popped a boner for years. They feel rejuvenated. Ready to win and the passion and energy is felt by the fans too. Okay maybe not the best explanation of example but you get what I’m trying to say!

Let’s be honest here, we’re not talking about little children. These guys are the top echelon of the Motorsport world.

This will also help Lappi immensely. Heck he might even do better since he’s the guy with zero pressure :).

Enjoy the rally. If you have to quit “watching” because JML is going to act out go watch badminton or chess

[steve.mandzij]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/133377/latvala-tanak-wont-depose-me-as-toyota-leader

While I will admit that I paraphrase him, his subtext is this is my team, I rule here. Also, he says Tanak will have to adapt so if Tanak is has more points at the end of the year he will have to admit that he made a mess of it.

Remember his moaning at VW? If Tanak is gonna be faster he'll have a nervous breakdown. The only time he looked halfway happy was when Hirvonen was his teammate. They were level in their abilities and Loeb's might was untouchable. Eversince it has been bold claims and excuses from him.You must know a different Latvala than I do. When did he moan or make bold claims at VW? The only time I genuinely remember he moaned was when he got stuck in Ostberg's dust. Otherwise all he's ever done is lament himself.




Enjoy the rally. If you have to quit “watching” because JML is going to act out go watch badminton or chess

Wow, it seems my phrasing was way off. It was a joke; basically it would be unbearable for me to have to see Latvala deflated again, a la 2016. I'd never stop watching the WRC, but I'd watch it in tears :)



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[steve.mandzij]

I was wondering today, does anybody know why TMG handed over the Yaris program to Tommi Makinen?

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[macebig]

Well, guys in Japan thought TMG was behind in development of the Yaris. Makinen managed to persuade Akio Toyoda (Toyota's president), that he can do a better job than TMG.So, the Japanese gave the reigns of the WRC program to TMR.

[electroliquid]

About Tanak's break from WRC in 2013, nothing new, but still... https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/134169/tanak-reveals-he-retired-after-first-msport-exit

[Indreq]

When Ogier was king it was boring to watch honestly. Everyone knew they could not compete so they all lacked a bit of passion. The new cars are like Viagra for old dudes who haven’t popped a boner for years. They feel rejuvenated. Ready to win and the passion and energy is felt by the fans too.

Well said, i couldnt put it into words myself but i agree with this 100% :D :D :D

[Rally Power]

I was wondering today, does anybody know why TMG handed over the Yaris program to Tommi Makinen?

It was never told. Mr. Toyoda publicly launched TMG WRC program in January 2015 and annouced the switch only 6 months later. Besides Makinen lobbying and a possible negative feedback from TMG Yaris development (like macebig said), something more serious must have happened; Japanese companies usually don’t change their plans so drastically. I still believe it was Le Mans '15 disaster; it made them realize TMG should be 100% focused in wining Le Mans (they’re pretty close in 2016).

[Watson]

Japanese companies usually don’t change their plans so drastically.

A point proven by Toyota's vastly expensive and very disappointing F1 project. For years they were the biggest spenders there and it got them nowhere yet they didn't change anything about their strategy until they finally pulled the plug. The same with the Honda works team at around the same time and then the funny enough turnaround when Ross Brawn came, bought the team and turned them into worldbeaters.

[macebig]

Yes, TMG being totally outpaced by Audi and Porsche during 2015's LeMans 24h race, surely played a part on them losing the WRC program.

[spiderem]

So just wondering, non of the toyota boys are RedBull athlete? Seems odd since RedBull is highly present in all the other manufacturer...

[pantealex]

So just wondering, non of the toyota boys are RedBull athlete? Seems odd since RedBull is highly present in all the other manufacturer...

Well Puuppola (where Toyota HQ is) has under 1000 people, one of them is Kalle Rovanperä (RedBull athlete), they don´t need more...

[AnttiL]

https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutinen/artikkeli/tommi-makisen-talli-vuokraamassa-wrc-auton-konkarikuskille-asia-keskustelun-alla/6755764#gs.So_uDZI

Mäkinen confirms they are negotiating with Nasser, saying it's quite possible it will happen but the decision is not made yet. Nasser would have a car that is in 2017 end spec but with added safety modifications of this year (RallySafe?).

[er88]

Big pressure on Toyota in Sweden imo. The amount they have been testing, added to the fact they won the event last year means they go in as big favourites. Jari or Ott would be my favourite for the win but even Lappi could challenge if he keeps the mistakes down. The car is improved from last year, so it will be interesting to see if they produce a similarly dominant performance to Finland last year.

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[satukata]

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/?p=67065 “It’s tougher for Ogier to win in Sweden, this is our territory” said makinen. This comment sounds that they are very strong! It’s good to remember how strong neuville was in sweden last year. It’s not easy win for Toyota. I bet Jarimatti to win. I hope he will be faster than ott and Ep in sweden. It’s time to show who is nro 1 in team.

[mknight]

Big pressure on Toyota in Sweden imo. The amount they have been testing, added to the fact they won the event last year means they go in as big favourites. Jari or Ott would be my favourite for the win but even Lappi could challenge if he keeps the mistakes down. The car is improved from last year, so it will be interesting to see if they produce a similarly dominant performance to Finland last year.


Indeed. I think it's quite likely they will be very fast on Saturday and Sunday. The challenge for them is Friday due to road position (with possible fresh snow) and the narrower and more twisty stages. Hyundai typically had advantage in those kind of conditions last year.
If then Toyota guys end a bit behind and charge on Saturday, will it be enough and will they keep it on the road?

[pantealex]

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/?p=67065 It’s time to show who is nro 1 in team.

Ott Tänak

[Watson]

Ott Tänak
Hmm maybe not in Sweden. Latvala has got a great history of wins there.

[mknight]

Makinen:
"apart from Esapekka on the last stage in Monte Carlo, there were no mistakes. They are all at a very, very high level.”"

I really like Lappi, but I do wonder how his big off (second "biggest" in whole Monte after Sordo) got so unnoticed. It caused a puncture and could have end much worse (roll, spectators run over...).

Both all live and WRC highlights completely missed it and it seems Tommi missed it as well.

It's on 2:45 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hoax7zC6ko

[Allez Andruet]

https://ita-savo.fi/uutiset/urheilu/3903dfda-e343-442f-991d-19ea72a667f8

I don't know if this was already posted here somewhere (the story is from Jan 31), but Hänninen says he's doing testing for TGR in February in Spain and in March in Corsica. He'll also handle the gravel crew duties for Lappi in Corsica, Germany and Catalunya (and did so already in Monte Carlo).

[AnttiL]

The last quote is also worth mentioning:


Varmaksihan mitään ei voi luvata, mutta nyt tuntuu siltä, että en enää lähde itselleni ajohommia järjestelemään.
"Nothing can be promised for certain, but now it feels like I won't be arranging rally driving for myself anymore."

[Allez Andruet]

The last quote is also worth mentioning:


"Nothing can be promised for certain, but now it feels like I won't be arranging rally driving for myself anymore."

...although the context is bit unclear, as it can be understood from the story that he was referrering to local Finnish events. But ok, that's likely to be the case anyway.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Makinen:
"apart from Esapekka on the last stage in Monte Carlo, there were no mistakes. They are all at a very, very high level.”"

I really like Lappi, but I do wonder how his big off (second "biggest" in whole Monte after Sordo) got so unnoticed. It caused a puncture and could have end much worse (roll, spectators run over...).

Both all live and WRC highlights completely missed it and it seems Tommi missed it as well.

It's on 2:45 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hoax7zC6ko

I think it's only classed as a serious off it it leads to car damage or a time loss. That one of Lappi's did neither...

[AnttiL]

I think it's only classed as a serious off it it leads to car damage or a time loss. That one of Lappi's did neither...

It caused a puncture, major time loss. Smaller errors are often shown on the daily recaps.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It caused a puncture, major time loss. Smaller errors are often shown on the daily recaps.

Ak ok... maybe they didnt say what caused the puncture. I for one didnt know it was then.

[mknight]

Lol right now before Sweden SS was the first time they showed the Lappi off and said it caused the puncture.

[EstWRC]

very nice beginning to the season but next are the rallies where they struggled last year. Mäkinen mentioned to estonian TV that they are well prepared compared to last year, last year they hadnt done any high altitude tests and basically just went to Mexico without any testing whereas this year they have done those tests and now they have all the data from last year.

They start with their testing tomorrow in spain with Tänak.

[steve.mandzij]

very nice beginning to the season but next are the rallies where they struggled last year. Mäkinen mentioned to estonian TV that they are well prepared compared to last year, last year they hadnt done any high altitude tests and basically just went to Mexico without any testing whereas this year they have done those tests and now they have all the data from last year.

They start with their testing tomorrow in spain with Tänak.The struggles were down to ventilation issues and stretched over to Portugal I believe (on a much lesser scale). I suppose they'll do well this time around judging by their speed, the new bumper, and the data from last year.

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[EstWRC]

Al-Attiyah close to Toyota deal for WRC


https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/al-attiyah-close-to-toyota-deal-for-wrc/

[AnttiL]

Al-Attiyah close to Toyota deal for WRC


https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/al-attiyah-close-to-toyota-deal-for-wrc/

And he should start the 6 event program from Argentina. Run by the team but not in their colors.

[racerx1979]

NA-A will be sporting Red Bull and Qatar on the Toyota. He will most likely have the nicest liveried Yaris.

[Simmi]

Yep I am looking forward to seeing this car. Will be good to have Nasser back in the championship. Crazy to think his last WRC event was back in 2015. Signs look good, but just want to see this confirmed as it seems every year we have a Nasser return story.

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.rallit.fi/tommi-makinen-paljasti-toyotan-uuden-auton-aikataulun-hanniselle-luvassa-hommia/

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2018/02/22/toyota-yaris-r5-soll-ab-2020-einsatzbereit-sein/

Toyota Yaris R5 coming in 2020, testing starting in early 2019. The project will be led from TGR's Estonian base and Hänninen is likely to be the main test driver.

[racerx1979]

Hanninen certainly to be part of testing team. The project has been under way for some time. People were in Estonia last year a week after Rally Finland to start planning of the building and projects. It's nice to see other companies getting fully involved in the sport of Rally. Maybe other Japanese manufacturers will get involved. Honda has RX cars in GRC so why not.

[Tarmop]

Last time they were waiting for a suitable engine to be developed.

[bandit12]

Why is there so little material for toyota testing to rally Mexico? Secrecy or lack of interest?

[EstWRC]

Lack of interest unfortunately or they were in a place where none of YouTube guys were.

[AnttiL]

Has this bit been mentioned yet?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/134522/alattiyah-closing-on-toyota-wrc-outings


Makinen said a Yaris WRC drive had always been on the horizon for Takamoto, but it could be brought forward after what he described as a "brilliant" drive from the 24-year-old.

"The original plan and most natural place would be Rally Japan in 2019, if this is going ahead," said Makinen.

"But you never know - if we can do something else, something sooner, then let's see.

[EstWRC]

Toyota not concerned over Mexico failures

“and still we have something to learn – we’re getting fed-up with learning, but we will be back here next year with the solution for the cooling.”


lol


Järveoja said that they were jokin with Ott on Friday that their car was like a disco club with all the flashing alarm lights. They could somehow manage it and keep the pace up but said there was nothing they could do about the turbo problem.

[AnttiL]

And the full story, if anyone is interested: https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/rallying-news/wrc/toyota-not-concerned-over-mexico-failures/

[EstWRC]

nah, damn, i forgot to put the link.

thanks

[Revman]

Fabulous drives by Lappi and Ott! Improving the car mid-rally also tells me that the team is functioning at a high level. Very pleased. Let's finish the deal tomorrow!

[pantealex]

Yaris has taken more stage wins 2018 than any other car.

[tr4m]

Yaris has taken more stage wins 2018 than any other car.

Ott 18 stage wins, Esapekka 6, Jari 1.
And Ott seems to be the only driver to win a stage in all of the events this season. Like Ott said himself, there's obvious potential in Yaris.

[EstWRC]

i have 18 for Ott? He had 15 stage wins before corsica and won 3 stages at corsica

[tr4m]

i have 18 for Ott? He had 15 stage wins before corsica and won 3 stages at corsica

18 yes, my bad. I forgot to count SS10 from Corsica, the joint stagewin with Lappi.

[steve.mandzij]

Ott and Lappi both looking like future champions. Latvala's "to finish first, first you have to finish" attitude isn't paying off.

[stefanvv]

Latvala's "to finish first, first you have to finish" attitude isn't paying off.

Do You really believe he followed that attitude on the stage he had more confidence and crashed?

[mknight]

Ott and Lappi both looking like future champions. Latvala's "to finish first, first you have to finish" attitude isn't paying off.

Just as a reality check. Since Finland win last year Lappi has actually shown surprisingly little. This is first time where he really can be satisfied with a rally.

[steve.mandzij]

Do You really believe he followed that attitude on the stage he had more confidence and crashed?Of course not. I said earlier in the Corsican thread that he was finally driving like he needed to: pushing for speed, not just settling for points. I'm saying that he played that strategy in the previous rounds and it didn't pay off.

I think if Toyota doesn't have overheating issues in Argentina that they'll have a very strong result; if Latvala drives like he did on stage 8 (or 7?) he could very well take the win from 6th or 7th in the order.

[steve.mandzij]

Just as a reality check. Since Finland win last year Lappi has actually shown surprisingly little. This is first time where he really can be satisfied with a rally.His results this year haven't been too representative of his actual pace. He's made mistakes or suffered punctures but his speed is definitely there now.

[stefanvv]

Of course not. I said earlier in the Corsican thread that he was finally driving like he needed to: pushing for speed, not just settling for points. I'm saying that he played that strategy in the previous rounds and it didn't pay off.

I think it payed off. He was actually the best of the Toyota drivers until this round, and if he played safe until the end probably he wouldn't be, and my be that was his problem.

Latvala's first part of the season has never been strong, the 2nd part has always been, I don't know the reason, but perhaps he should have more patience and wait for "his" moments. Just my opinion.

[Indreq]

Ott 18 stage wins, Esapekka 6, Jari 1.
And Ott seems to be the only driver to win a stage in all of the events this season. Like Ott said himself, there's obvious potential in Yaris.

I wonder if Jari still thinks he is 1st driver in team?

[racerx1979]

I wonder if Jari still thinks he is 1st driver in team?

We will see at the end of the year. Remember Ogier had very few wins but was champ last year. If JML is leading points with zero 1st place finishes he is still the leader in my opinion.

[steve.mandzij]

I think it payed off. He was actually the best of the Toyota drivers until this round, and if he played safe until the end probably he wouldn't be, and my be that was his problem.

Latvala's first part of the season has never been strong, the 2nd part has always been, I don't know the reason, but perhaps he should have more patience and wait for "his" moments. Just my opinion.Let's be honest though, as hard as it is for me to admit he wasn't the highest placed on pace alone. Outrun by Tanak in Sweden and Mexico, even though the Estonian made mistakes, and ahead of Lappi because of punctures or his own mistakes as well. Maybe the most mature of the three but it's a toss up at the moment.

[AnttiL]

Latvala's first part of the season has never been strong, the 2nd part has always been
2017?

[stefanvv]

2017?

Yeah, recently this has changed, so much for the optimism.

[krissucool]

Let's be honest though, as hard as it is for me to admit he wasn't the highest placed on pace alone. Outrun by Tanak in Sweden and Mexico, even though the Estonian made mistakes, and ahead of Lappi because of punctures or his own mistakes as well. Maybe the most mature of the three but it's a toss up at the moment.

Just out of curiosity, what mistakes has Tänak made this season?
Can only remember the confusion with Meeke in Sweden that probably lost him 1 place overall but other than that he has been driving clean.

[AnttiL]

Just out of curiosity, what mistakes has Tänak made this season?

Trying to pass Meeke in Sweden.

[krissucool]

Trying to pass Meeke in Sweden.

Yes, forgot that for a second. Just found it weird to be describing Latvala as most mature of the three this season when Tanak has made one mistake that cost him 1 place in a rally all year and Latvala made 1 big mistake that cost him the entire rally in Corsica.

[EstWRC]

so, about the team and the car and what Ott and Martin have said to estonian media.

i have to say that Mexico was a little bit embarassing in the sense that they havent sorted out the overheating issues in a year time. Järveoja said that the engineers were quite sure they have solved those problems with updates but also admitted it is hard for the team to solve them if you dont have same testing conditions in europe.
After the rally Ott said in his blog that the engineers will completely redesign the cooling system but for next year as they dont have problems with it on other events this season.


Interestingly now after Corsica Tänak sayin that at the moment the car is stronger on tarmac than on gravel. Says that things are still quite "raw" and theres still a lot of work to do. They have a development test this week in Sardegna where they hope make big gains.

i find it interesting because IMO it has been the opposite, the car has looked stronger on gravel than on tarmac, at least last year.

Judging by the speed on Catalunya-like stages in Corsica, the car should be very very strong at Rally Spain.

Overall they have definitely improved a lot and the car is fast everywhere IMO with Ott winning stages on every rally so far.

[EstWRC]

interview with Tom Fowler https://rallysportmag.com/toyota-working-on-jokers-for-yaris-wrc-improvements/

[mknight]

interview with Tom Fowler https://rallysportmag.com/toyota-working-on-jokers-for-yaris-wrc-improvements/

Interesting that the Latvala's alternator and the overheating issues are mentioned but Tanak's engine(turbo) failure is not. Quite a lot of issues for 1 rally.

[AnttiL]

Nasser won’t drive Toyota this year because the team wants to focus on the three main drivers, as told by a Finnish magazine today

[Andre Oliveira]

If Nasser wants, Malcom Wilson had cars ;) and 2018 spec instead 2017spec car like Toyota deal supposed to be.

[AnttiL]

https://www.suomif1.com/2018/04/esapekka-lappi-ruotii-mm-rallikauttaan-en-halua-antaa-itselleni-mahdollisuutta-olla-huono/

Lappi saying something like Tänak isn’t as open in sharing things as Hänninen was, but he thinks Tänak is more of a problem for Latvala. Tänak also apparently always finds things to improve, never being satisfied

[racerx1979]

https://www.suomif1.com/2018/04/esapekka-lappi-ruotii-mm-rallikauttaan-en-halua-antaa-itselleni-mahdollisuutta-olla-huono/

Lappi saying something like Tänak isn’t as open in sharing things as Hänninen was, but he thinks Tänak is more of a problem for Latvala. Tänak also apparently always finds things to improve, never being satisfied

I'm sure I will get shunned for this, but Lappi will soon surpass both JML and Tanak. The guys is good and just needs to do a few seasons.

[stefanvv]

I'm sure I will get shunned for this, but Lappi will soon surpass both JML and Tanak. The guys is good and just needs to do a few seasons.

I wouldn't say this 2 years before, but kind of agree with You. I think there is lot to come from him.

[mknight]

I'm sure I will get shunned for this, but Lappi will soon surpass both JML and Tanak. The guys is good and just needs to do a few seasons.

So far Lappi has been quite unpredictable.
Portugal->Sardinia was impressive, Poland crash out very early, win Finland.

After that quite invisible until Corsica this year. ( a fastest stage time here and there but overall always quite behind with crashes as well).

Now on Corsica he and rest of Toyota found the setup and were impressive from Saturday on and then he almost blew whole rally with own mistake on Sunday.

Will he get reliable and fast like Gronholm? or will it be more like P.Solberg ?

[Tarmop]

Let`s see, at the moment i wouldn`t say so spectacular, but good. Most of the winners have been fast from the beginning occasionally or even on every event, but also make mistakes, lose confidence etc, especially when under pressure not to cause any damage, financial or pointwise. We need more different events with Lappi in a higher place (both the championship table and the event and one-two-three closelly chasing).

Can`t say Monte 2-3-4(Lappi) and then 4-->7 was invisible, also Swedens PS, falling out of the podium etc.

[bandit12]

Lappi saying something like Tänak isn’t as open in sharing things as Hänninen was,

Sharing what kind of things? Car setup or his pont of wiew about life and politics etc?

[rallyfiend]

Sharing what kind of things? Car setup or his pont of wiew about life and politics etc?

Wives?

[AnttiL]

Sharing what kind of things? Car setup or his pont of wiew about life and politics etc?

Does not specify. I would assume things like setup, technique, pace notes. Obviously Hänninen shared more, he wasn’t there to win a title

[racerx1979]

Does not specify. I would assume things like setup, technique, pace notes. Obviously Hänninen shared more, he wasn’t there to win a title

Well sharing is caring and this tells me Tanak does not care.

[Tarmop]

In what reality do pilots fighting for the title share their most specific knowledge? That does not mean they don`t share the same team goal.

[bandit12]

In what reality do pilots fighting for the title share their most specific knowledge? That does not mean they don`t share the same team goal.

Actually, it's a good point. And i don't believe, that Toyota's service park is like a military factory, where they keep secret what kind of setup some driver uses...

[sindroms]

Story about our forumer bluuford - https://youtu.be/75eZ8BTXHlc
:)

[dimviii]

Story about our forumer bluuford - https://youtu.be/75eZ8BTXHlc
:)

nice to see that your work recognised.Congrats bluuford!

[EstWRC]

quite an interesting interview with Ott in estonian newspaper about the car (usually they are crap)

He is saying that when he joined the team the car was very "finnish", it was only good on smooth and fast gravel roads but now it is like a rally car should be, fast everywhere. They had to make big changes to the the car but it has worked. Interestingly he says that at the end of the last season he felt that the Fiesta was almost a complete car, whereas with Toyota he still feels that there is still a lot more to come and to do. They can make it even faster and work better.

For Argentina they managed to do big gains with the suspension, the engine power has always been very good but the problem was that all the power didnt go down to the ground but now they managed to do that. Says that it was his wish and vision.

About that Lappi comment that he isnt as open as Hanninen, he says that Lappi meant general openness, they share the technical things.

[racerx1979]

Thanks for the article. It's nice to know there is always some loss in translation when it comes to articles which are non-english. The teams should be sharing set-up info as it benefits the whole team. At the end of the day TGR stands for Toyota Gazoo Racing and not Team Toyota Tanak, Lappi or Latvala. I understand specific set-ups may be kept secret, but anything that effects overall development is shared.

TGR is saying the tests for Portugal went well for all teams. They have made even more set-up changes to the cars and now Lappi and JML are feeling extremely confident for Portugal. Tanak is coming in pretty pumped after his win. Check out the WRC live Portugal preview where they interviewed Tanak for some time. It was a good interview and he said this win felt better than the first with Ford. We will all see what kind of pace TGR has compared to the other teams...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jari-Matti Latvala stopped to clear stones from the Rally Italy stages himself during this week's recce, having retired from the last two WRC gravel rounds after hitting rocks ...

https://t.co/WliuPmzALV

[ESTR]

Jari-Matti Latvala stopped to clear stones from the Rally Italy stages himself during this week's recce, having retired from the last two WRC gravel rounds after hitting rocks ...

https://t.co/WliuPmzALV

Some shitheads will throw them again on road after Ogier passes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some shitheads will throw them again on road after Ogier passes.

Sardinia is Italy, not France.

[spiderem]

Jari-Matti Latvala stopped to clear stones from the Rally Italy stages himself during this week's recce, having retired from the last two WRC gravel rounds after hitting rocks ...

https://t.co/WliuPmzALV

lol i hope he doesn't have a serie of crashes with trees next, otherwise he will be quite busy with his chainsaw on the following recce...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala cant be confident Toyota have fixed the suspension to make it stronger...

[steve.mandzij]

Latvala cant be confident Toyota have fixed the suspension to make it stronger...He's definitely struggling mentally, but dare I say he's managing his demons? He's controlling this rally quite well, which I'm quite surprised to see since he's uncomfortable with he car.

[EstWRC]

I’m guessing there are some serious phone calls on Monday from Japan to Tommi...

[ESTR]

They will fix this fragile problems. It's not like Citrons when they rather axe the driver than fixing the car (and I'm not talking about Meeke). Breen do the 99 work last year and still being treated like shit.

[N.O.T]

I’m guessing there are some serious phone calls on Monday from Japan to Tommi...

do not think so... the mistake was they hired that failed production car manager int he first place... the fact that the team is made up by 70% of his friends shows a lot.

He is nothing and they get what they deserve from his village skills...

[AnttiL]

Latvala in Argentina 2017

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfT1gicXcAAssHX.jpg:large

[EstWRC]

and to add to that

"Toyota is strong" Ott Tänak, Rally Argentina, 2018


and after that everything has got worse :laugh:

[sonnybobiche]

Last year's Yaris was built like a tank. But to make it more competitive, they've been trying to lighten everything more and more so they can play around with ballast. And the original designer, Simon Carrier, left the team last year, so I don't know who's really making the design decisions. The former #2 designer, Kevin Postec? Regardless, it seems like they've gone a little too far in the direction of lightness at the moment.

[EstWRC]

Tänak and Järveoja saying the same thing and Latvala also mentioned it in Portugal, saying that the car is faster this year but with compromises.

Ott is very strict and says that the car shouldnt break every time after jumps and going over the rocks. Järveoja saying ironically that they must have a radiator and a powerbank in the car all the time :D

Tommi has promised that there will be changes but it all depends also on jokers. They tried to make the underbody protection stronger between Portugal and Sardegna but in the end kept the current one.


and btw did you guys saw Ogier going over a humongous rock on SS16? the rock was twice the size what Tänak had in Portugal. I was sure that now it is over for Ogier but in the finish line you could only see some scratches on the Fiesta.

[pantealex]

What did Ott say about his timepenalty which cost him 2 points ?

[EstWRC]

nothing, he wasnt asked about it

[Rallyper]

and btw did you guys saw Ogier going over a humongous rock on SS16? the rock was twice the size what Tänak had in Portugal. I was sure that now it is over for Ogier but in the finish line you could only see some scratches on the Fiesta.

So the scratches was on the sidepanels then? Didn´t run over the rock? Or you saw scratches also underneath the car?
No car survive rock like that driving over it I´d suppose.

[EstWRC]

i saw the scratches underneath the car, they lifted the car at stage end interview to show me



for f**ks sake, what i want to say is that he drove over a huge rock but nothing happened

[br21]

Last year car was also not that strong, they had few times situations that some hit from the bottom (to the sumpguard) made some damage.

[Rallyper]

i saw the scratches underneath the car, they lifted the car at stage end interview to show me



for f**ks sake, what i want to say is that he drove over a huge rock but nothing happened

That´s impressing. They lifted the car just for you? Man, you rules. I saw that cliff also on WRC All Live.

[mknight]

In the pre-event Portugal interview played on alllive they asked Lappi about the jump he did in Fafe in 2017. He mentioned something like "we can't do that with the car this year".

I was really wondering what he meant at that time, but making the car a bit less robust for more speed might be the explanation.

[Tarmop]

Or he just meant what he said already then- it was a bit over the limit and could`ve ended with a big crash.

[mknight]

Was more like "we can't do that with the car we have this year". But couldn't find it in the preview now, so must have been alllive extended version which is not available any more.

[bluuford]

i saw the scratches underneath the car, they lifted the car at stage end interview to show me



for f**ks sake, what i want to say is that he drove over a huge rock but nothing happened
Ttere is actually very big difference on those rock hittings. In Portugal, this rock was on a very solid surface, surface that is almost like asphalt. In Sardegna, the place where Ogier hit that rock, I drove that stage, I even stepped out from the car near that place, I even digged hole near that place, this place is like sandbox, when something is on top of the sand and you hit it, then you do not hit it against wall, you just press it inside the sand, that is huge difference. On the the fragility of the car, I cannot comment, I am not that good on technical side.

[stefanvv]

alllive extended version which is not available any more.

It is available.

[mknight]

It is available.

From Portugal? How?

[stefanvv]

From Portugal? How?

A Portugal You mean, sorry, Sardegna only I think still available.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://investinestonia.com/lower-taxes-bring-toyota-wrc-team-to-estonia/

[AnttiL]

https://rallysportmag.com/toyotas-kaj-lidstrom-reflects-on-neste-rally-finland

Kaj Lindström talks about the "unlimited" testing they can do around Puuppola, but it's not that simple.


Kaj explained that the zone might be a little bit bigger than for some other teams, but it wasn’t straightforward!

“We have an FIA approved ‘permanent test site’ but the area covered is a zone of public roads with people living beside the roads. That makes it quite difficult for us. We can use a road maximum twice a year.

“We don’t have a private road where we could go whenever we like, and if we constantly went to the same places we would destroy the roads. When we want to test we have to apply for local authority permission to use the road and each permit takes some time.

“We can’t use the roads all through the year. In the winter and spring there are very few roads that can be used, but some roads in the zone are exactly like the roads used on the Neste Rally. Two roads are part of the route used in 2016.

“Around Jyvaskyla there is a defined area, some roads in the north from Jyvaskyla and also to the south. The zone is an area, not specific roads. I don’t know exactly how big is the area.

“I wish we could drive five days a week and be testing every week, but that’s not the case. Let’s see if the regulations will change. I think there will be some change, maybe with the number of days that we can test outside of our area.”

[mknight]

He complains they cant use same section more than twice per year. Surely there are multiple usefull sections within 80?km of Jyväskylä? Anyway last year and first half of this, there was a new vid of them testing on these roads 2 times per month or so, and that's only what gets put on YT.

[AnttiL]

He complains they cant use same section more than twice per year. Surely there are multiple usefull sections within 80?km of Jyväskylä? Anyway last year and first half of this, there was a new vid of them testing on these roads 2 times per month or so, and that's only what gets put on YT.

I think he means that the road would become in too bad condition or it would be difficult to get permissions for more than two days. But I also remember seeing a certain road near Jämsä being used more than two times this year...but maybe the two time limit is for most roads, and there may be exceptions.

And the range of permitted roads is 50 km. I have seen the list and there are dozens of usable test roads. But like he says, arranging a test day on those roads is like arranging a rally. You need to close a road that is used for public traffic and get permissions and whatnot. You can't just decide in the afternoon "hey let's go test this new aero thing" like teams with their own private track could do.

[EstWRC]

http://m.memegen.com/q4mwcj.jpg

[mknight]

I think he means that the road would become in too bad condition or it would be difficult to get permissions for more than two days. But I also remember seeing a certain road near Jämsä being used more than two times this year...but maybe the two time limit is for most roads, and there may be exceptions.

And the range of permitted roads is 50 km. I have seen the list and there are dozens of usable test roads. But like he says, arranging a test day on those roads is like arranging a rally. You need to close a road that is used for public traffic and get permissions and whatnot. You can't just decide in the afternoon "hey let's go test this new aero thing" like teams with their own private track could do.

It takes half a day with a tractor to fix a short gravel road section. Anyway as you point out what he says is that they cant do completely unlimited testing like on own track (MSPORT), but have factors that limit them. Then again its testing on real stages while MSPORT has artificial track.

[mknight]

http://m.memegen.com/q4mwcj.jpg

Worried about a single team dominating again, I am.

[Oliverk]

Worried about a single team dominating again, I am.

It's single driver dominating. Not whole Toyota.

[cali]

It's single driver dominating. Not whole Toyota.At the end of the day it could be like Loeb-Citroën, Ogier - VW or Mäkinen-Mitsubishi. Always one guy dominating

[mknight]

It's single driver dominating. Not whole Toyota.

Just watching Lappi beat Ogier, Neuville and Sordo on his like 4th tarmac rally. Similar with Corsica, also in Finland on Saturday it was Toyota 1-2-3 on most stages.



At the end of the day it could be like Loeb-Citroën, Ogier - VW or Mäkinen-Mitsubishi. Always one guy dominating

With VW in 2014-2015 you'd get VW 1-2-3 on basically every rally, that's when I stopped watching WRC.

I do also remember 2003 with great fights... 2004 a bit less fights.. and then from 2005 it was all Citroen.

Just hope we are not headed that way again.

[cali]

Just watching Lappi beat Ogier, Neuville and Sordo on his like 4th tarmac rally. Similar with Corsica, also in Finland on Saturday it was Toyota 1-2-3 on most stages.




With VW in 2014-2015 you'd get VW 1-2-3 on basically every rally, that's when I stopped watching WRC.

I do also remember 2003 with great fights... 2004 a bit less fights.. and then from 2005 it was all Citroen.

Just hope we are not headed that way again.Still there was almost always one specific guy who was crowned 9 or 5 times in row.

[sonnybobiche]

It's true. He has the potential to be the next Loeb or Ogier, and that is not a good thing.

[racerx1979]

Let’s not get too excited. I think it’s pretty fair overall. Tanak has been crazy fast the last two rallies, but we know now some cars/drivers are suited for certain rallies. Thierry, Seb and Ott are close to one another. A lot better than when Loeb or Ogier had the championship in the bag by now...

[racerx1979]

We also saw some improvement from Citroen in Finland. Hopefully they develop the car even more moving forward. Turkey will be a good one since it’s all new. Good for Lappi and Sunninen to show their pace on a competely new rally. Toyota’s also suffer in conditions similar to Turkey so we will see how the new engine mapping set up performs here.

[Indreq]

One estonian reporter claims to have spoken to Mäkinen in Germany and said that new transmission is coming to Yaris very soon.

[AnttiL]

It's 25 years since the last time a Toyota won two consecutive WRC rallies. 1993 1000 Lakes and Australia, by no less than Juha Kankkunen himself.

[Indreq]

What is more important than new transmission probably, is that Mäkinen claims that they have changed underbody protection to better protect from random stones and hard landings.

[eib1]

btw Estonian workshop is ready to take cars in, these WRC-s dont go to Puuppola anymore

[GigiGalliNo1]

Hey NOT

Still think the Toyota are a “Barn” team?

[RAS007]

Hey NOT

Still think the Toyota are a “Barn” team?

Can't believe I'm plus oneing a post from GigiGalliNo1, but..........^^^+1

[tr4m]

Before Rally Germany, Esapekka Lappi gave Estonian newspaper Postimees an interview (which was quite Ott-oriented, but should come as no surprise). He seems quite happy in the team, with the team and with the car.

Original (paywall) article by Postimees (https://sport.postimees.ee/6135482/pm-saksamaal-esapekka-lappi-vigadeta-voiksin-tabelis-otist-eespool-olla)


PM in Germany. Esapekka Lappi: without mistakes I could be in front of Ott overall

Toyota's pilot Esapekka Lappi, who surprised the rally world with a Rally Finland win last season, has only reached the podium once this season, yet still holds fourth place overall in the Championship.
In an interview to Postimees, Lappi notes that if needed, he'd be ready to give up a position to help Ott Tänak's Championship fight.

I remember I interviewed you before the last years Rally Portugal. Back then it was your WRC debut in the WRC car. You were serious and confident and the competition ended for you in 10th place. 15 months have passed and looking from afar, you seem unchanged. How much have you actually progressed?
I'd like to hope, a lot. I have had a lot of hours in the WRC car, developed myself in all aspects, I'm more competitive than a year and a half ago.

Last year you surprised the rally world with a Rally Finland victory, which was only your fourth outing in a WRC car. Later there have been no wins, in addition you have reached the podium just once.
Time after the win turned to be complicated. This year, in Sardinia, we did finish in third, but talking about this season, I'm happy with my speed. I've made a couple mistakes and getting along with the car turned out to be harder than expected. It's part of the game. Yes, there have not been any more wins, but to be honest, the first one came too early. It was a big surprise to me as well that I had the victory all ready in the first season.

At the beginning of the year, everyone was asking what will Ott bring to the Toyota team. Now, after half of the season has passed, what has he brought to the team besides two wins?
He joined us from Ford with a great amount of knowledge. He brought ideas, which we have tried to develop in Toyota. Some have even been implemented. I dare to say that our car has taken a clear step forward a lot thanks to Ott. And now it seems he can manage the car best, because wins just keep on coming. He has taken more stage wins this season than anyone else. He drives the car exactly as needed. Jari-Matti and I are not comparable at the moment.

Looking at the points table, we find you on the fourth row, in the team you are second to best. Last season you finished in the bottom of top ten. At the same time, we can't forget, unlike to last year, you are doing full season this year.
I'm pretty happy with the current position. I didn't get any points in Finland but had I gotten any, it wouldn't have changed my position in the overall. Had I not made mistakes at the start of the season, I could even be ahead of Ott in the points table. Of course, Ott also made mistakes, lost points in Portugal and Sardinia and that's why we got close to him. Form goes up and down for everyone. I'd be happy if we could finish this season in the top 5.

How do you get along with Ott outside the competition? It looks like you match well.
I dare to say we are friends. We joke around. He's easy to get along with, despite the situation. I even visited him in Estonia, when he organized the rally day. He's a good friend. A man who loves his family and at the end of the day, that's most important.

Is it right to say that Ott is the leading driver of Toyota at the moment?
Yes, he's earned this status with honor. He's clearly the fastest at the moment.

The season is reaching to a point where teams may start to give out team orders thinking about the championship fight. How would you go about an order to let Ott past you?
It does look like we're getting closer to that point. Of course I agree to help Ott if there's any benefit. He's clearly the only one in our team who still has even the slightest chance to fight for the title. I don't care if I'm fourth or fifth at the end of the season. The only thing that will depend on it is my starting position in Rally Monte-Carlo. I'm watching with excitement to see whether Ott will rise into the title fight. In any case, I'm ready to sacrifice my result for Ott's success.

Last season, Ott played the role of the second violin to Sebastien Ogier in Ford team. Has Toyota decided on the leading and second driver by now? If so, what have been his tips to you?
When Ott and I spend time, we don't talk about the stuff like who's the leading driver, etc. We know what the situation is and what it could develop into. I feel like we respect each other and there are no situations where Ott would come and tell me: "You're now the second driver, do this and that..". We don't have it this way. His teachings come to me in a rather different way. We don't talk about how I should do or go about something.

What is your target for last five rallies? Win, finish in podium position? As you said, you don't care if you finish fourth or fifth overall.
Of course I would like to reach first three as many times as possible. We even have a good chance for that in Germany. Toyota has proved itself to be good on tarmac and I'm quite confident because of that. Last year we managed to find rather decent speed of the last day of Rally Germany. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to finish with a good result.

What will happen to your future?
I'll definitely be in the start line next season.

But in which team?
You'll know soon enough. I have no reason to leave Toyota - car is able to win, we are constantly developing it. Even the team itself is perfect, so I see no reason why I should leave.

[mknight]

Reading the last part and comparing it with Latvalas answers to Holmes it looks clear that Latvala is leaving and Lappi staying.
I really do hope they are not getting Ogier, but it starts to smell like that.

[tr4m]

I have many, many conspiracy theories regarding this year's silly season and the most realistic one is Latvala leaving to Citroën/M-Sport, depending on Ogier's decision. Probably most far-fetched and rattling one would be Ogier to Toyota. He's been praising Toyota's performance for a while now and he's been quoted saying he's most likely looking for his last contract, decision made purely based on available performance. It would not come as a surprise to me, if Ogier himself approaches Toyota and asks for a drive. Ott definitely and Mäkinen maybe would not want this, but if the Japanese want him or they agree for one season only, he'll get his seat. If Toyota performs well in Turkey, I'm pretty sure that's how it will end up.

I'm well aware that I'll probably bring a s*itstorm upon myself by saying this so early, when not many facts are out, but since the point of a forum is to exchange ideas and views (even far-fetched ones) - why not.

[AnttiL]

Reading the last part and comparing it with Latvalas answers to Holmes it looks clear that Latvala is leaving and Lappi staying.

What are you basing this on?

I also just started thinking that it would really fit Ogier's plans to go to Toyota, they would be a wealthy and competitive team, something that M-Sport and Citroen can only offer either. It would also explain the need of one of the current drivers to leave. But it would be horrible for the sport to have two championship contenders in the same team and also horrible for Tänak to be made Ogier's wingman again...and Latvala for sure couldn't play the third violin in that orchestra...

[mknight]

What are you basing this on?..

1) Latvala says he knows someone will change team and talks elusive about where he will drive.
2) Joukhi says Latvala has contact but doesn't say where
3) Makinen mentions how he knows Latvala will be WC one day on Germany after event press conf. Sounds like "good luck in the future" wish for me.
4) Lappi says he sees no reason to leave and Makinen talks about him being very stable driver (same press conf)

Latvala has won quite a few rallies, so going for WC is the only thing left for him. Unlikely he can do that as 2nd driver.

Who could replace him:

A) Ogier talks about "performance" being most important when picking team next year. (imo this would be terrible for championship). But this could also apply to Citroen who has shown speed both in Finland and in Germany (saturday smooth stages)

B) racerxs sources in Toyota say that Sordo changed his mind about doing full season. So given where the info comes from can he be going to Toyota? It would make sense as he is the best "stable" points scorer available and that would fit perfectly with Tänak and Lappi.

[tr4m]

Akio Toyoda comment after Rally Germany: https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2018/wrc/rd09-chairman_comment.html

Great to see such emotion from someone so high up.

[AndyRAC]

I doubt he was as happy this morning after both Toyota cars were DSQ from a 1-2 finish at Silverstone......

[N.O.T]

Hey NOT

Still think the Toyota are a “Barn” team?

yes... Tanak carries them on his shoulders.

they are nothing... and i would not be surprised if they fK up his chances on the following rallies either...

[AnttiL]

Latvala leaving Toyota could be also reasonable for himself. Does he want to continue in a team whose car fails him so often?

[ESTR]

Latvala leaving Toyota could be also reasonable for himself. Does he want to continue in a team whose car fails him so often?

If he will go to Citroen he will let go like Meeke. He needs his Ford back and that's it. Ogier To Citroen, because frenchies belong nowhere else than there.

[Allez Andruet]

Tanak carries them on his shoulders.
Yet all three of them were able to set fastest stage times in Germany. Funny, isn't it?

[AnttiL]

Looking at stage winner stats for the season, Lappi is fourth and Latvala fifth. Tänak of course first. Three Toyotas in top five.

[mknight]

Looking at stage winner stats for the season, Lappi is fourth and Latvala fifth. Tänak of course first. Three Toyotas in top five.

Stage winner stats are a bit biased by drivers (some drivers push for fastest times i rally2 while others just cruise and test set up) and for last few years also starting positions on gravel rallies.

However when the numbers are big enough (over 15 for a season) they are the best indicators of pure speed.

Note that "pure speed" does not mean you can win most rallies.
Ex. a driver that wins 3 stages then crashes, goes to rally2 and then wins 3 more (partly due to start position) and crashes again. Doesn't really mean he could have won the rally.

EDIT: Lately power stage points can also be used as an interesting indicator cause that's the one stage where just about everyone wants to push.
Power stage points are also less biased by one good event. Ex. if a driver is really fast in one even he gets many stage wins. But only 1 set of PS points.

[Indreq]

Could someone help with link to stage wins count?

[mknight]

Could someone help with link to stage wins count?

This one is best cause it also lists per event and power stage points:

http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

(scroll down)

[AnttiL]

Could someone help with link to stage wins count?

If you are a rallying fan, you need to learn about ewrc-results https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/

[stefanvv]

If you are a rallying fan, you need to learn about ewrc-results https://www.ewrc-results.com/season/

planetemarcus has also PS stats - http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc.

[N.O.T]

Yet all three of them were able to set fastest stage times in Germany. Funny, isn't it?

i found funny how latvalas gearbox broke in a 2018 WRCar... really shows how professional the team is... having problems cars had 20 years ago is always funny...

I just hope that village team does not FK up Tanaks chances for the title.

[Allez Andruet]

i found funny how latvalas gearbox broke in a 2018 WRCar... really shows how professional the team is... having problems cars had 20 years ago is always funny...

Technically it wasn't the gearbox that broke, but don't worry. It's kinda sympathetic your guess was close anyway.

[Rallyper]

Technically it wasn't the gearbox that broke, but don't worry. It's kinda sympathetic your guess was close anyway.

They talked about linkage...

[dupanton]

It all started with the hydraulic pomp that broke, without the hydraulic pressure he couldn't use the paddles. Then the gearbox broke. So that had maybe (probably?) something to do with the lost of the hydraulic pressure.

[EstWRC]

The tough weather conditions have been a stumbling block for Toyota, especially in the rallying Mexican rally in the spring.

- The Turkish rally is definitely a question mark for all stakes, it's a hot and hard race. On Monday, we will drive more cooling data at TMG (Toyota Motorsport Gmbh) factory in Germany. They have new considerably more powerful coolers, Mäkinen revealed to MTV Sport.

- That capacity has been drastically increased. We've been working hard with Denso. The project started after the Mexican rally, and now we get the new cooling package for the first time. I think we should not have any problems with the heat, Mäkinen added.

https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=et&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.ee&sl=auto&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutinen/artikkeli/tommi-makinen-paljasti-toyotan-wrc-autoon-tarkea-paivitys-kapasiteettia-nostettu-rajusti/7037494&xid=17259,15700022,15700124,15700149,15700168,1570 0186,15700191,15700201&usg=ALkJrhiwjmoy5JYxIUl26XGKCSgJqNgbWQ#gs.idz3f1Y

[tr4m]

Making historyhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180822/f08c78f5dddec1296c7ba02b3e0bdbd4.jpg

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk

[pantealex]

Making history

Actually not, 1st time in public yes.

[Rally Power]

Already posted?

@TGR_WRC
After the successful Rally Germany, we were invited to Toyota Motorsport GmbH, where our team members had an opportunity to see how the heart of Yaris WRC is made. Thank you TMG, for this awesome day in your amazing home!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DlHWtwIX0AAGI9R.jpg

Btw, didn’t Makinen try to get engines from Ilmor instead of TMG?

[pantealex]

Ilmor is doing some things to that motor.

[AMSS]

Ilmor is doing some things to that motor.

They consulted Ilmor on the engine managment side not the actual engine

[GigiGalliNo1]

i found funny how latvalas gearbox broke in a 2018 WRCar... really shows how professional the team is... having problems cars had 20 years ago is always funny...


People have had issues with PSA cars and gear boxes the last 15 years... most recent they're fine.

In saying that FORD and VW have issues with their gear boxes in road cars... so funny they still haven't rectified it for the public!

[pantealex]

They consulted Ilmor on the engine managment side not the actual engine

Yep, I wrote badly, other things "near" engine indeed.

[ESTR]

In saying that FORD and VW have issues with their gear boxes in road cars... so funny they still haven't rectified it for the public!

That's called marketing strategy. Like Peugeot 206 (you all know what I'm talking about) 😂

[Indreq]

Estonian portal had long article (http://perejakodu.delfi.ee/ajakirjalood/pere-ja-kodu-kaanelugu-ott-tanak-nii-hea-on-koju-tulla?id=83501203) (longest i have seen for quite some time) about Tänak and his family. Nothing sensational, pretty standard stuff about jugglling family and job which requires lot of traveling. Feminists would be pissed off as Otts' wife admits that she gave up promising career in finance in order to be good housewife while Ott is earning money. :D Also some nice pictures, one of which i upload here, copyright probably delfi.ee . On the drivers sead is Otts' 4year old daughter Mia driving buggy which her grandfather (also former rally driver as most of you know) had purchased for her. Ott also said that while he tries to provide to his children everything they want (they already have 2 real ponys ;) ) he would prefer if Mia would not become rally driver but would do something more feminine. Journalist wrote how Mia drove around in buggy, so there is good chance that Ott may not get his wish and we may have new Michele Mouton :D

1635

[EstWRC]

Ott thinks he can make more improvements with the car

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/138406/tanak-still-not-comfortable-with-yaris-after-wins

[AnttiL]

Ott thinks he can make more improvements with the car

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/138406/tanak-still-not-comfortable-with-yaris-after-wins

Does this make my ”Tänak will struggle with the new car” crystal ball prediction correct? :D

[spiderem]

Does this make my ”Tänak will struggle with the new car” crystal ball prediction correct? :D

Struggle may be a step too far considering he won 3 rallys :)

[AnttiL]

Struggle may be a step too far considering he won 3 rallys :)

Did you read it? He says ”Normally the car is good when the conditions are consistent, but if they are constantly changing then we struggle a little bit." ;)

[stefanvv]

Struggle may be a step too far considering he won 3 rallys :)

Yeah, but only recently. He was definitely struggling in Portugal & Sardegna.

[AnttiL]

Yeah, but only recently. He was definitely struggling in Portugal & Sardegna.

Mexico as well. But all I meant was what he said.

[EstWRC]

Yeah, but only recently. He was definitely struggling in Portugal & Sardegna.

lol..i dont understand how you can say this, because if you dont remember then his rally lasted basically only for one stage and at that time he was leading the rally. His first split time on SS2 was only bettered by Paddon in the end.

He was definitely struggling in sardegna on friday, he just couldnt get rid of the massive understeer. The same was in Corsica.

In mexico all the Toyotas were struggling due engine overheating but he was still 3rd end of day 1 and only 11 secs from the lead.

[spiderem]

Did you read it? He says ”Normally the car is good when the conditions are consistent, but if they are constantly changing then we struggle a little bit." ;)

my comment was more about the "accuracy" of your crystalball prediction :)

[stefanvv]

lol..i dont understand how you can say this, because if you dont remember then his rally lasted basically only for one stage and at that time he was leading the rally. His first split time on SS2 was only bettered by Paddon in the end.

I know :). No offense, just kidding. I think retirements due to mechanical failures, be it forced or not are most devastating for the driver. The rest can be managed more or less.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Did you read it? He says ”Normally the car is good when the conditions are consistent, but if they are constantly changing then we struggle a little bit." ;)

I guess this must make your crystal ball prediction at least "a little bit" correct

[EstWRC]

Team visit to TMG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLxNUvsLnjo

[AnttiL]

https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutinen/artikkeli/tommi-makisen-suojateilla-jannat-paikat-tallipomo-valayttelee-mahdollisuutta-paasta-wrc-autoon/7060024#gs.=K6WOXE

Mäkinen talks about Katsuta and Arai. Only one of them will be able to continue their challenge program for next year. Also, there's talks of one of them driving the WRC car in the Japanese WRC round...

[AnttiL]

https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutinen/artikkeli/tommi-makisen-suojateilla-jannat-paikat-tallipomo-valayttelee-mahdollisuutta-paasta-wrc-autoon/7060024#gs.=K6WOXE

Mäkinen talks about Katsuta and Arai. Only one of them will be able to continue their challenge program for next year. Also, there's talks of one of them driving the WRC car in the Japanese WRC round...

Katsuta it is, with no surprise https://rallysportmag.com/toyota-chooses-katsuta-for-2019/

[EstWRC]

what an achievement only in their second year. Congrats!

still some work to do to make the car more stronger. They will only use 1 joker next year because Tommi wants to use 4 jokers in 2020.

Lets see.

[steve.mandzij]

what an achievement only in their second year. Congrats!

still some work to do to make the car more stronger. They will only use 1 joker next year because Tommi wants to use 4 jokers in 2020.

Lets see.Can the car be developed without jokers?

[N.O.T]

what an achievement only in their second year. Congrats!

still some work to do to make the car more stronger. They will only use 1 joker next year because Tommi wants to use 4 jokers in 2020.

Lets see.

VW did it in their first...