TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT

[Allez Andruet]

What will be the team dynamics at TGR? To me it looks like they have three guys who are all aiming for the world title. Who can they tell to ease off and secure manufacturer points?

That's a really good point. Now TGR basically has three #1's, which in many cases has proven to be not-so-optimal line-up. You don't need (and you don't even want) to have three "winners" in the team.

What kind of form we'll see from JML next year if and when he's not the clear #1? And what about Lappi? He should be a champion rather sooner than later, so what's the point of having him as #3 (which he undoubtly will be)? And for Tänak, is he able to keep is brilliant momentum on, now that the team and the car are both new to him?

What I think is the most interesting question, is that what exactly did Tommi think he'll get by hiring Tänak, that he wouldn't already have?

[racerx1979]

Deal was made in July, signed later about month ago.

All speculation after that was just PR talk.

Now for M-Sport sake I hope Ogier stays!

I mentioned this around August on this forum
that he would go to Toyota. It’s good to know my source was correct. He is the same source who said that Ogiers manager had called Toyota to secure a deal around July of this year. Maybe both Ogier and Tanak knew about M-Sports future hurdles considering how early this was.

As far as Ogier, Tommi does not like the guy, but I’m sure it’s TGR’s big bosses who make the final decision.

Bummed for Hanninen, but great news for Tanak. Toyota will be a threat next year. They’ve had a great first year.

[dimviii]

According to this interview, Ogier also wanted to go to Toyota..
https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutin...330#gs.Bu33Y88

Makinen preferred Tanak instead of Ogier for better team spirit?
seems like a payback to Ogiers comments after his first test before a year.

[Tarmop]

That's a really good point. Now TGR basically has three #1's, which in many cases has proven to be not-so-optimal line-up. You don't need (and you don't even want) to have three "winners" in the team.

What kind of form we'll see from JML next year if and when he's not the clear #1? And what about Lappi? He should be a champion rather sooner than later, so what's the point of having him as #3 (which he undoubtly will be)? And for Tänak, is he able to keep is brilliant momentum on, now that the team and the car are both new to him?

What I think is the most interesting question, is that what exactly did Tommi think he'll get by hiring Tänak, that he wouldn't already have?

For that Lappi should firstly participate and gain experience from all 13 rounds and improve a lot on tarmac. So still a season or two to get there... All the leading teams have or have had drivers competing for WDC individually. Some bad examples, some really strong, but both have in common that they also win the manu. title (M-Sport this season, Citroen, VW etc.)

[dimviii]

Now TGR basically has three #1's, ?

Lappi No1?

[AnttiL]

According to this interview, Ogier also wanted to go to Toyota..
https://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutin...330#gs.Bu33Y88

Also, Tänak was considered already a year ago, but he chose to go for another year at M-Sport.

[Allez Andruet]

Lappi No1?

From pure speed point of view he won't be #3...

[dimviii]

From pure speed point of view he won't be #3...

I can understand that you are in a hurry to take what it belongs to Finland,but be patient.
Lappi still tries to finish an asphalt rally.

[AMSS]

Makinen preferred Tanak instead of Ogier for better team spirit?
seems like a payback to Ogiers comments after his first test before a year.

So it seems, if this is the case that it`s a payback than it`s not perhaps an example of great leadership but time will tell who`s done the right decision.

[Allez Andruet]

I can understand that you are in a hurry to take what it belongs to Finland,but be patient.

I really don't think Lappi could challenge either JML or Tänak next season in the overall standings, but my point was that Lappi is not your typical #3 driver - one TGR would definitely need in 2018 if they're serious about challenging for the manu title. Lappi probably wins one rally, then crashes out on the next three, which doesn't help either JML, Tänak or TGR as a team. The profile TGR needs for that position (now that they've chosen to go with JML and Tänak) in my opinion is something like Hänninen, Breen or Sordo.