Toyota gives Sami Pajari green light for all-out attack at Rally Sardinia

"The day unfolded as expected. The first two cars on the road, Elfyn and Sami, lost a lot of time because road cleaning is extremely tough here. It was clear that starting from third position provided much better opportunities to attack, and Oliver capitalized on the situation to the maximum," Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala told rallyjournal.com.

"He went on the offensive and drove really impressively, especially through the final two stages. Oliver remains right in the fight and is well within striking distance of the Hyundai drivers."

"You could see that clearly in Oliver's driving style. The stages are very slippery and demand great skill. You need to find the right balance and the courage to push without crossing the limit from those running positions. Oliver handled that task brilliantly," Latvala added.

"Even before the rally, I told Sami that whatever happens here will not change his standing in the team. I told him directly: 'You have complete freedom to drive exactly as you want,'" Latvala revealed.