Three weeks ago, Jari-Matti Latvala stood dejected before the media, believing Toyota’s World Rally Championship hopes had slipped away. The Acropolis Rally in Greece had shattered his confidence, leading the Toyota team principal to declare that all they could now aim for were rally wins, as the titles seemed out of reach. Fast forward to Rally Chile, and Latvala’s tune had changed entirely. With a stunning performance from his team, Toyota clawed back from the brink, putting themselves squarely in the title race once again.
Latvala’s emotions post-Chile were in stark contrast to those in Greece. “We had a bit of a talk inside the team before coming here and tried to make everyone believe we still had a chance,” Latvala explained. “And this result proves it—we’re back in the fight.” Toyota’s dominant 1-2 finish, capped by Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans, along with a clean sweep of the Power Stage, saw them slice Hyundai’s championship lead in half.
Toyota’s Tactical Masterclass
Toyota’s weekend in Chile was nothing short of a masterclass. With 13 stage wins compared to Hyundai’s lone stage victory, Toyota not only outpaced their rivals but delivered a morale-boosting result. “This gives a big boost and motivation for the team,” Latvala beamed after the rally.
Meanwhile, Hyundai seemed lost. Ott Tänak, who had previously been undefeated in Chile, struggled to find confidence in his i20 N Rally1. “It just didn’t work for us,” admitted Tänak. “Since shakedown, it was a struggle.” Hyundai technical director François-Xavier Demaison referred to this stage of the championship as “money time,” but Hyundai failed to cash in. As Tänak and teammate Thierry Neuville faltered, Toyota capitalized.
Hyundai’s Off-Day Opens the Door
Hyundai’s struggles were evident from the start. Neuville echoed Tänak’s frustrations, stating, “The pace wasn’t there, the feeling wasn’t good. We didn’t have any fun out there today.” The Belgian lamented the team’s overall performance, which was their weakest of the season. In contrast, Toyota thrived in the same conditions, with Evans commenting, “We had a good car, and we all felt good in it.”
With Hyundai faltering, Toyota saw their chance and pounced. The battle for the championship, once seemingly out of reach for Latvala’s squad, now feels very much alive.
WRC2 Drama: Solberg vs. Rossel
While Toyota and Hyundai duked it out at the top, the WRC2 class was embroiled in controversy. Oliver Solberg’s slow puncture seemed like the defining moment of the race, but things took a sharp turn when Yohan Rossel was awarded a notional time after being delayed by Solberg’s dust and fog on the stage. Rossel’s stage time adjustment vaulted him from third to first, much to Solberg’s disbelief.
Solberg expressed his frustration: “He [Rossel] shouldn’t be where he is with that time he got yesterday.” Despite lodging a protest, the stewards rejected Solberg’s appeal, leaving him with little choice but to watch as Rossel and Sami Pajari are now poised to challenge for the WRC2 title.
FIA Controversies Cast a Shadow
Beyond the on-stage drama, the FIA’s recent rulings have caused waves in the rally world. Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak voiced their discontent over being “told from the top of the FIA to shut our mouths,” referencing Ogier’s suspended fine for comments made during Rally Greece. The situation echoes the controversy in Formula 1, where Max Verstappen faced penalties for using foul language. Ogier’s silent protest in Chile, accompanied by some subtle gestures, underscored his dissatisfaction with the governing body’s recent actions.
The Title Fight Heats Up
Despite the off-track drama, the WRC title fight is far from over. Elfyn Evans, once considered out of the race, still has a chance at the championship. With 60 points left to play for, even Tänak remains in contention, although his focus seems to be shifting towards securing the manufacturers’ championship for Hyundai.
While Toyota’s resurgence in Chile has brought them back into the title fight, all eyes are on Thierry Neuville. The Belgian now holds the lead, and as Ott Tänak noted, “It’s his to lose at the moment.” Neuville has driven with precision all season, but the pressure is mounting. Will he clinch his first World Rally Championship title, or will Toyota’s late-season surge prove too strong?
Looking Ahead: Tarmac Awaits
As the gravel season concludes, attention shifts to the tarmac rallies, where Hyundai has shown strength. The i20 N Rally1 won Monte Carlo and came close in Croatia, offering a glimmer of hope for the team as they look to rebound in the remaining rounds.
For now, though, Toyota’s victory in Chile has set the stage for a thrilling final stretch of the 2024 season. What seemed impossible just three weeks ago now feels within reach for Latvala and his team. The title fight is back on, and with six races left, anything can happen.
