Toyota has unveiled the special liveries that may adorn the cars of Kalle Rovanpera and Sebastien Ogier competing in next week's round of the World Rally Championship in Finland.
The Japanese brand will field an expanded five-car Rally1 line-up at its home event, with part-time drivers Rovanpera and Ogier competing, in addition to regulars Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta. Rising star Sami Pajari will make his Rally1 debut at his home event.
Ahead of the rally, Toyota revealed that the Rovanpera and Ogier cars could be painted in special liveries inspired by the limited edition GR Yaris Rovanpera and Ogier road cars launched earlier this yr.
Evans and Katsuta will compete within the team’s standard 2024 colors, while Pajari’s GR Yaris will feature a predominantly white livery.
Rovanpera heads to his hometown competition without ending on the rostrum. He finished second in 2022 and lost the lead last yr.
“Every year, Rally Finland is a really special occasion. Of course, it’s our home rally and one of the coolest events to take part in, with so many fans and family around you,” said Rovanpera, who has won in Kenya, Poland and Latvia this yr.
Toyota Racing livery for Rally Finland
Photo: Toyota Racing
“It’s at all times exciting and the stages are really fun but in addition quite difficult. Having legendary routes like Ouninpohja on the schedule this yr will probably be amazing.
“Our approach and goal will probably be the identical as in every rally now we have taken part on this yr: we’ll attempt to do the very best job possible to fight for victory and rating a number of points for the team.
“I didn't manage to get my best result in Rally Finland, but I don't want to put any extra stress on it. I just want to treat it like any other rally and try to do my best.”
This will probably be Ogier’s first start in Finland since his eighth yr of victory in 2021. The Frenchman comes into the event with two wins and three second places in five starts this season.
“Rally Finland is a special event in the championship that I think every driver loves. It’s also a tough rally where the local drivers have always been very strong, but it’s the kind of challenge I enjoy and it was a rally I really wanted to repeat after a few years off,” said Ogier.
“It's of course also a home event for the team and I'm happy to be part of this strong line-up and I'll try to give my all to achieve the best result for the team. After a break from really fast rallies, I think I had good speed and a good weekend in Latvia and I hope I can carry that over to Finland.”
