Toyota Le Mans stars Kamui Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakajima have spoken of their admiration for their FIA World Rally Championship counterparts during a visit to Neste Rally Finland today.
Nakajima was part of Toyota’s Le Mans 24 Hours-winning line-up last month, while Kobayashi finished in second place.
They are in Jyväskylä as guests of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT and will take in a tour of the Paviljonki service park and visits to special stages during their trip to Finland.
“It looks very strong and the Toyota looks like a really brilliant car,” said Kobayashi. “They are not driving like I would drive a racing car but they look fast and confident and they really make an effort with their preparations.
“Just watching the on-board camera [angles] is very impressive. I have a big respect for [the drivers] because it’s not an easy challenge, they are watching the road but also listening [to the pacenotes] but it’s a big part of being a professional. I can’t wait to get out onto the stages to watch.”
Asked if we would like to get behind the wheel of a Yaris WRC, Nakajima said: “Why not? Not on a competition but I want to try one for sure. I am sure it’s very difficult but to make the pacenotes and I think [racing drivers] would be too lazy. Hopefully this weekend it will be another big celebration for Toyota.”
Photo: Sami Lamminaho / AKK
