Toyota Gazoo Racing has consolidated its position as leader of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) following an impressive second place by Ott Tänak at the Mexico Rally.
His third podium finish of the season in the gruelling Rally Mexico, which was defined by high heat and high altitude, was complemented by all three Toyota drivers finishing inside the top eight and taking nine stage victories between them.
Tänak, who had finished first at Rally Sweden and third Monte Carlo, was aided by the Yaris WRC competing solidly throughout the rally with its improved cooling package boosting its performance.
Kris Meeke came fifth in his first gravel rally for the team and took home a further four points by finishing second on the rally-ending Power Stage while Jari-Matti Latvala came eighth.
The powerful driving performance means that Tänak, tops the FIA WRC drivers table while Toyota Gazoo Racing leads the manufacturers table after three rallies.
Toyota Gazoo Racing will be looking to keep its championship aspirations on course as the team heads to the French island of Corsica for the next WRC event at the end of March.
Hot off the press
Ott Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja put in a dominant performance to give Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team their first win of the 2019 FIA WRC season. The result also moves the young Estonian into the lead in the drivers’ championship standings.
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team made a strong start to their 2019 campaign with all three drivers finishing in the top six, led by Ott Tänak who mounted a brilliant fight-back to claim third place.
Team newcomer Kris Meeke made an impressive debut in the Yaris WRC, finishing sixth and winning the final, points-scoring Power Stage, while Jari-Matti Latvala completed the event in fifth.
Epic jumps, sensational slides and terrifying top speeds, the WRC is the ultimate vehicle test bed. After 17 years away, we are hungrier than ever to fight on the world’s most extreme roads, and achieve our goal of making ever-better cars for all.
Tarmac
Twisty turns, unforgiving roads and durable hard tyres. Lowered suspension is a must-have for high-speed events such as Tour de Corse.
Gravel
Rutted roads, rocky tracks and a range of tyre compounds. Raised gravel suspension is crucial for hot weather events such as Rally Mexico.
Snow
Frozen roads, snow banks and studded tyres. A loose-surface suspension setup is essential for sub-zero events such as Rally Sweden.
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Led by four-time world champion, Tommi Mäkinen, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is primed and ready to push the limits in 2019.
