TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
Ott Tanak
Nationality: Estonian
Age: 31
Co-driver: Martin Jarveoja
Car #8
WRC debut: Portugal 2009
GB starts: 8
Best GB result: 2nd (2016)
WRC starts: 103
WRC wins: 11
Until he retired, the Estonian dominated last year’s Rally GB like he has dominated the World Rally Championship for the past 18 months. Has to start as a favourite and, if the car holds, then he should be expected to pick up where he left off (comfortably in the lead) in Sweet Lamb last season. He’s found that place where he can win stages for fun and make winning rallies look entirely straightforward. On top of that, if it’s wet he’s in the best place on the road on Friday.
Kris Meeke
Nationality: British
Age: 40
Co-driver: Sebastian Marshall
Car #5
WRC debut: GB 2002
GB starts: 10
Best GB result: 2nd (2015)
WRC starts: 102
WRC wins: 5
As his late mentor Colin Mcrae did, Meeke enjoys huge support on his home round of the championship. And on paper this is an event that should suit the Dungannon man’s attacking and committed style of driving – there is some grip in those roads if you’re prepared to risk a little bit to find it. Second here four years ago, a win is overdue for the Toyota star – but his chances hinge, like those around him, on the conditions on the opening day.
Jari-matti Latvala
Nationality: Finnish
Age: 34
Co-driver: Miikka Anttila
Car #10
WRC debut: GB 2002
GB starts: 17
GB wins: 2 (2011, 12)
WRC starts: 206
WRC wins: 18
Like Ari Vatanen and Markku Alen that have gone many years before him, Jari-matti Latvala is a Finn who has found his way to the hearts of British rally fans. Why? It’s probably something to do with the fact that there’s barely enough room for sponsor’s logos on his overalls, his heart takes up so much space… He’s a hard trier and a survivor as well as a very, very fast rally driver. Not to mention a bobblehatter and the absolute gentleman of rallying.