The Principality race will see the debut of hybrid technology after the introduction of the new Rally1 regulations.
Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford have had to build around a stronger chassis, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engines are now mated to a 100kW hybrid unit.
All three teams have undergone extensive development work this season to prepare for the new challenge.
The Japanese are in the final stages of development of the GR Yaris, tested in France by Sébastien Ogier for the first time.
While satisfied with the performance of the new car, Latvala admitted that his team will work all the way to Monte Carlo to make sure it is 100% ready.
“Overall I’m happy with where we are, of course we say we can’t relax at all. We are working 100% every day to get everything ready, but the car works and we are quite happy with the level of performance we are at,” said the Finn.
“Of course, the best thing is to go to Monte not knowing what the level of the others is”.
Sebastien Ogier, Benjamin Veillas, Toyota Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Julien Perez Alonso
Toyota technical director Tom Fowler believes the team is already in good shape after the FIA homologation inspection.
“Regarding the development process at this stage, I would say ours is a good position. We are at a fairly advanced stage in terms of car specifications and for the Monte Carlo, the final details relating to the drivers are missing.”
“We are building the cars for the first rally, so there is a lot to do in the workshop. In this sense we are in a good position”.
“In general, we did our homologation inspection with the FIA last week and are doing some finishing touches to the documentation, but basically everything is on par to be in Monte Carlo with the best car we have managed to produce, at least over time. available for now. We are ready to begin. “
Toyota will field four GR Yaris for Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanpera, Ogier and Takamoto Katsuta in Monte Carlo.
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