Comment from Akio Toyoda, Team Chairman, Concerning the Outcome of the Rally Italia Sardegna, Rd. 8 of FIA World Rally Championship
“It was a heartbreaking ending to Rally Italia Sardegna.As I felt Ott and Martin's strong ambition to bring me to the podium again, I was lost for words when I saw their car slowing down in the final stage. But I think the disappointment is bigger for the driver and the co-driver than for anyone else.
I'm very sorry that we couldn't let the drivers drive through to the finish.I'm very sorry for all the fans who were watching the fight.
I have never before released any comment without a victory.But I want to convey my feelings via my own words this time.It was really important that I could see the competitions on site in Italy.
Takamoto said sorry to me after he retired from the rally.I don't think he needed to say sorry.I'm looking forward to seeing Takamoto standing on the podium with the Yaris WRC in the future.We need to convert the experience from this rally into strength for the days to come.
Kris said to me that the Yaris gives him a very good feeling to drive.I'm very happy to hear that, when he's driving the car at an exhilarating speed.I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome one day.
Jari-Matti said to me that he will definitely bring me a good result next time. Having seen Jari-Matti's struggling appearance many times, I am sure that good luck will come to him too.
And Ott…..I will never forget the regretful expression in his face when he got out of the car. He hugged with the mechanics one by one, facing the sadness with all of the team members. I was touched by this scene. I thought Ott and all the members of Car No. 8 must be the champion by any means from my heart.
What I can do is to make the Yaris the “even better car” and “ much more reliable car to continue driving”. I will carry out this goal together with Tommi by any means.
To all the fans, I wish for your continuous support for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT.
Kazuki, I saw you commenting with the tears after the win.I was impressed your feeling towards your teammates, Thank you.I felt TGR WEC team has become a really amazing team Kamui, I'm sorry for making you disappointed again. I feel sorry just as it's my own affairs. Kazuki , Kamui, I firmly received both of your feelings, and swear to make an even stronger team and even better car.
Sébastien, Fernando and Kazuki; Mike, José and Kamui, All of you six guys are a really wonderful team.Great appreciation for winning Le Mans with a one-two finish and two consecutive wins in two years.”
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team
Team Chairman
Akio Toyoda
Press release
URL: https://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2019/
Press kit and Event pictures will be uploaded here
Follow us!
Follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TOYOTAGAZOORacingWRC
Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/TGR_WRC (@TGR_WRC)
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tgr_wrc/ (@TGR_WRC)
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCtALHup92q5xIFb7n9UXVg