Quote Originally Posted by macebig View Post
I cant understand the logic behind Makkinen bashing here.Some people seem to prefer the sterile "works" approach as seen with VW and Citroen.But the independant team supported by a manufucturer has worked similarly if not better in results.Examples are countless(Richards/Prodrive/Subaru,Cowan/Ralliart/Mitsubishi,Wilson/M-Sport/Ford).Hell,even the old TTE was quite similar in approach with these teams as one man(Ove Andersson) set up and run the team with support from Japan.So,all in all, there is no indication that a Makkinen/TMR/Toyota way is doomed to fail as most people here suggest.
Totally agree*. This Makinen chance to grow his private structure into a factory supported WRC entrant, like the mentioned examples, should be seen as a positive input to rally sport. TMR will have the resources to get involved in other categories besides WRC. Makinen has already spoke on his interest to develop R5 cars and in the long term R2/R3 will probably follow.

In the case of Toyota lets face it: how many of the guys involved in TTE's glorious WRC past remains today in TMG? Very little, for sure. TMG staff it's linked with the post TTE's efforts, essentially the F1 fiasco and the LeMans still (ever?) to accomplish success.

Those who think Toyoda is a foolish fellow are totally wrong. He's a bright CEO that, God (or whatever) bless him, is also a petrolhead. Gazoo is a powerful marketing company developed by him and from the beginning motorsport made part of it. Putting Gazoo in control of all Toyota's autosport programmes (from local racing to Nascar, Le Mans and now WRC) it's a clear sign of how seriously Mr. Toyoda consider motorsport helpful to his giant automotive group development.

As for the geographical issue, in nowadays globalized world basing a technologic facility in a remote location doesn't seems to be that strange, especially when there's a strong cultural environment. No doubt that Finland has a "rally culture" background like few others.

*apart from considering Citroën approach sterile; they've compete in a high level and always kept the sport accessible to privateers, providing a vast range of rally cars.