The words will not be shared, but the impact of the conversation could be enough to rewrite the history of the World Rally Championship.
Toyota Gazoo Racing chairman Akio Toyoda was present at last month’s Rally Japan, delighting in a podium locked out by a trio of GR Yaris Rally1s. It was, in fact, another 1-2-3-4 for the Japanese marque.
Watching the ease with which Toyoda moved between the crews in Toyota City was illuminating. Yes, he’s the grandson of Toyota Motor Corporation founder Kiichiro Toyoda and yes, he’s arguably the most important, informed and erudite person in the automotive industry. But as well as all of that, he’s a driver. And drivers make connections.
Sébastien Ogier’s apparent decision to take a tilt at title number 10 might come as a surprise to some people. I suspect Toyoda-sama is not one of them. I further suspect he might have had a hand in any decision made by the superstar Frenchman.
In congratulating Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais on their Acropolis Rally victory on Sunday, Toyoda reflected: “One of my favorite memories from Rally Japan was Séb coming over to talk with me. Looking at this result [in Greece], I’d be very happy if our conversation in that moment played even a small part in helping him achieve it. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do in the second half of the season. Keep pushing!
Ogier delivered an inch perfect victory in Greece, his second of the season
“Séb and Vincent – thank you for securing a great comeback win on the final day! Winning Super Sunday, winning the powerstage, taking the maximum points, and climbing to third in the championship standings… that’s the Séb and Vincent we all know.”
Toyoda also offered praise for the second Toyota on the podium – his countryman Takamoto Katsuta.
“Takamoto,” he said, “congratulations on another podium in third place. This season, we have seen you on the podium in half of the rallies so far. I am looking forward to seeing more of you in the second half of the season.”
Toyoda signed off his message with more personal news, adding: “Actually, I underwent surgery to repair my own ‘failure’ recently, and I’m still on the road to recovery. The team’s awesome performances like this are the best medicine I could ask for. Thank you very much, everyone on the team!”
DirtFish sends Toyoda-sama our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
