Latvala's focus on success: Toyota aims to rewrite WRC record books in 2024

Having won the manufacturers’ title for the last three years, a further success this season would make Toyota the first Japanese carmaker to secure four straight WRC titles and only the fourth to do it in the series’ 50-year history. Lancia, Citroën and Volkswagen achieved it previously.

Toyota has won four makes’ crowns in the last six years, but Latvala acknowledges the opportunity to make history.

“Our target for this season is to defend the manufacturers’ title successfully again,” said Latvala. “We know it’s going to be tough, it’s always tough – but remaining the winning manufacturer is very important to us.

“The last season was a great one for us, maybe even the best yet. Now we have to focus on this year and the challenge that is waiting for us.”

Talking about the drivers’ title, Latvala said the focus would be on Elfyn Evans.

Latvala added: “The message I would say to Elfyn is that we don’t need to take the pressure, we don’t think to the [drivers’] championship all the time. We go out and do our job in the same way Elfyn and Scott [Martin, co-driver] did their job on the last rally last year in Japan.

“They have all the abilities and attributes they need to win.”