Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala believes it might take a “nearly perfect” Rally Japan to grab the manufacturers' World Rally Championship crown from Hyundai.
The Japanese brand will enter the season finale on its home turf, 15 points behind rival Hyundai within the fight for constructors' honors.
Toyota has won the manufacturer's and drivers' double titles in each of the last three seasons, but this 12 months it fell in need of the drivers' crown, which is able to go to Hyundai drivers Thierry Neuville or Ott Tanak.
However, this week's Rally Japan offers a likelihood to finish the season with silver medals, although Latvala knows that can require strong performances from driver trio Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta and Sebastien Ogier.
Such a result has been proven possible on asphalt special stages in Japan after Toyota secured a 1-2-3 result last 12 months.
The team can also be fascinated about winning the WRC2 title, with Sami Pajari needing to complete first or second to refute Oliver Solberg the championship.
“All major championships are yet to be decided, including WRC2. We still have a likelihood within the manufacturers' championship and we’re very motivated and determined to attempt to win it in Japan,” Latvala said.
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
“It may require us to have a near-perfect weekend, but we achieved it in Chile, which supplies us confidence that it is feasible, identical to our incredible 1-2-3 end in Japan last 12 months.
“It's a demanding rally for the drivers and right now of 12 months the weather might be unpredictable, nevertheless it also gives us opportunities.
“Elfyn won there last 12 months and is completely satisfied with the conditions, Seb will wish to finish the season on a high, and Taka feels confident for his home event after an excellent finish in Central Europe.
“Finally, it was great to see the performance of the GR Yaris Rally2 car this year with Sami Pajari and if he manages to win the WRC2 title in Japan it would be a fantastic story.”
Ogier, the previous winner of the tournament in 2010, is trying to turn around his fortunes after making mistakes in each of the last three rounds.
The eight-time world champion agrees that the team will need to point out strong motivation to finish the 12 months with a title.
“Going to the Rally Japan is always exciting, especially this year considering we are still fighting to win the manufacturers' title,” said Ogier.
“We know we're not in a really perfect situation and we want a near-perfect weekend for the team, nevertheless it's definitely not out of reach.
“Our performances have been good recently and from my side we want to turn things around and translate this speed into a good result.”
