In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the factory Toyota duo dominated the snow rally, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of their GR Yaris Rally1 cars. With the upcoming Rally Sweden just around the corner, this rally provided the perfect opportunity for the team to gather valuable driving experience and miles on the snow-covered terrain. In this article, we will explore the highlights of the event, analyzing the performance of the drivers, and delving into the technical challenges they faced.
After a fiercely contested battle, it was Elfyn Evans who emerged victorious, snatching the top spot by a commendable 5m02.3s margin. Mikko Heikkila, the 2022 Finnish rally champion, found himself in second place after a valiant effort. However, the rally took an unfortunate turn for Kalle Rovanpera, the long-time leader, who encountered technical issues on the final stage. This setback marked Rovanpera’s first rally since opting for a part-time participation in the WRC this year.
Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen showcased their skill and expertise as they led the rally through 11 out of the 12 stages. With an impressive win in four of the five stages on Friday, the Finnish pair secured a comfortable 24.6s lead over Evans and his co-driver Scott Martin. Rovanpera continued to push the boundaries, extending his advantage to a staggering 54.5s. However, fate intervened, and their rally was cut short on the final stage.
Despite the technical difficulties, Rovanpera remained positive about the experience, acknowledging the importance of the testing phase before the upcoming Rally Sweden. He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the car, emphasizing that they had made significant progress in terms of setup and handling. Rovanpera’s focus now rests on refining the car’s performance and achieving a more comfortable driving experience in future events.
Evans, displaying unwavering determination and skill, emerged triumphant by winning the final stage of the rally with an impressive lead of 42.6s over Heikkila. Piloting Toyota’s new GR Yaris Rally2 car, Evans demonstrated his versatility and adaptability on the challenging snow and ice surface. Reflecting on the rally, Evans emphasized the significance of gaining valuable mileage on such a unique terrain, acknowledging that there is still work to be done to optimize the car’s performance.
Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota’s WRC team principal, also participated in the rally, finishing 20th overall behind the wheel of a Toyota Celica ST185. The team’s WRC Challenge drivers, Hikaru Kogure and Yuki Yamamoto, showcased their talent by securing ninth and tenth positions respectively. Their excellent performance in the GR Yaris Rally2 entries highlighted the potential of these cars in future events.
In another thrilling rally, former M-Sport’s WRC driver Pierre-Louis Loubet emerged victorious in the Qatar International Rally. Battling against fellow Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Mads Ostberg, Loubet secured a hard-fought win with a slim margin of 4.6s. This win further cements Loubet’s reputation as a formidable force in the rally circuit.
The snow rally served as a testing ground for the factory Toyota duo ahead of the highly anticipated Rally Sweden. With Evans securing victory and Rovanpera showcasing his dominance, the team experienced both triumph and setback. However, the invaluable miles and experience gained will undoubtedly contribute to their future success. As the WRC season unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing the relentless spirit and exceptional skill of these talented drivers as they navigate the challenging terrains of the rally world.
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