The head of Toyota’s rally team will spend this race weekend in Japan.
Jari-Matti Latvala tests Toyota’s new car in Japan. Juuso Taipale
Jari-Matti Latvala made a decision that caused discussion at the beginning of the rally season. Instead of being with Toyota in the World Rally Greece in the role of team manager, he headed to Japan this weekend to compete.
At the Hokkaido rally, Latvala tests the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 car. The black-painted speedster has done a great job handling the conker, because after Saturday Latvala is in the overwhelming lead.
After eight special tests, Latvala is one minute ahead of the others. Takamoto Katsuta father Norihito Katsutawho has also developed Toyota’s new minivan, is second, nearly two minutes behind.
The reigning champion of the Japanese rally series Heikki Kovalainen is 2 minutes and 28 seconds behind Latvala. The former formula star drives a Skoda Fabian.
Latvala’s karttur is a familiar man, Juho Hänninen.
On Sunday, the remaining four special tests will be contested. So far, Latvala has won a stage in every special stage.
Toyota also drives in Greece. Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä competing for the rally victory when all the other top drivers have suffered problems. If Hyundai’s Dani Sordo is still faltering, Toyota can even get a fourth win in Greece.