Toyoda: Our team hate to lose

The Finnish-based squad missed out on a win on the Italian island after Ott Tänak stole victory from beneath the nose of eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier – equalling the closest-ever finish in the history of the WRC.

Toyota’s disappointment was completed with the news that Hyundai’s advantage at the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship race grew from four to 13 points.

Toyoda said: “Our team all hate to lose. We will turn this frustration into strength and aim for the next victory.

“Séb and Vincent [Landais, co-driver] were doing really well on this harsh and demanding event, but they missed out at the very last moment on the [Wolf] Power Stage. The gap of 0.2 seconds is so small and disappointing, but this is sport.”

As always, Toyoda was quick to congratulate the opposition, with a word for his former driver Tänak. The Estonian lost out in 2019 in Sardinia while competing for Toyota GAZOO Racing when his GR Yaris WRC hit mechanical trouble on the final stage. “I was on-site in 2019 and following your performance,” said Toyoda of the Estonian. “You made up for the disappointment of that Power Stage this time. Congratulations.”