Drivers aim to give Toyota final WRC win

Toyota Team Europe is entering its final World Rally Championship at this weekend's Rally of Great Britain ending a 25-year association with the series.

The Japanese outfit, who has already secured the manufacturers' championship, is withdrawing to concentrate on its Formula One effort.

Sainz will be aiming to win the final rally of the century, before linking up with Colin McRae at Ford in 2000.

The Spaniard will be out to avenge the bitter memories of 1998 when he lost the world championship within sight of the finish - handing Tommi Makinen the world title.

'You have to be prepared for many different conditions in this event,' said Sainz.

'It is quite a high speed rally, normally wet and muddy and there is always a chance of fog, which is one of the worst things.

'The fact that Toyota has won the Manufacturers' Championship takes a lot of the pressure off us, but victory in this event would be very sweet for me.'

Meanwhile, Frenchman Auriol, is looking to secure second place in the championship after losing out to Makinen in the title chase.

The 41-year-old has finished in the points on three occasions, but has yet to win the event.

'I have to say it is not one of my favourite events,' said Auriol.

'It is not so much that I don't go well, but in the past I have been quite unlucky and the wet and muddy conditions are not really for my liking.

'It is difficult to beat Colin [McRae] and Richard [Burns] on their home event, but I have as much chance of success as any of the rest of the World Championship contenders.

'It would certainly be good to round off the season with one final victory.'

Didier Auriol will join the SEAT WRC team next year.