The Japanese brand has dominated the 2023 season, winning eight of the 12 events to date, and sealing a drivers’ and manufacturers’ title double for the third consecutive season.
Toyota claimed a sixth constructors’ crown in Chile before Kalle Rovanpera wrapped up a second drivers’ title at Central European Rally last month.
However, the team still has one objective still to complete, which is to win Rally Japan for the first time. On the event's return to the calendar last year, Toyota lost out to rival Hyundai as Thierry Neuville led a 1-2 while Takamoto Katsuta finished third.
As it currently stands, only one Japanese brand has won Rally Japan previously. Subaru triumphed in the inaugural edition of the WRC event in 2004 with Petter Solberg.
After tasting defeat on the asphalt stages around Toyota City last year, Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala says his team is even more motivated to secure victory this weekend.
Toyota will once again field a quartet of GR Yaris entries for Rovnapera, Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier and Katsuta.
“Now that we have secured all three titles once again, the clear target that remains is to win Rally Japan, which is one of two home events for us,” said Latvala.
“Last year, we could get Takamoto onto the podium in front of his home fans which was really nice, but everybody is really motivated to get the win this time.
Source: Autosport