Jari-Matti Latvala will step back into the driver’s seat for Rally Finland. This time taking the wheel of a Yaris Rally2 for his home event.
Stepping Into The Seat
It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Jari-Matti Latvala wants to contest Rally Finland once again. As he finished fifth overall at the event last season. However, that came after half of the Rally1 field had some sort of issue. Nevertheless this year Latvala will have a slower yet still great car to drive. As he’s driving the sort of brand-new Yaris Rally2. Which heading into Rally Latvia is three for three on gravel events in the WRC. As Jan Solans took the win in Portugal and Sami Pajari in Sardegna and Poland. Latvala likely won’t be looking for the win. As it’s not a secret that guys like Oliver Solberg are much faster at this point in time. Nevertheless, the journeyman rally driver will look to have a fun time out.
Why The Rally2 Car?
The answer to this isn’t really known at this point. However, it was rumoured that Jari-Matti Latvala would once again drive the Rally1 car. What happened to that? Well Sami Pajari’s Rally1 drive being moved changed that. Latvala isn’t a guy who is going to take the opportunity away from somebody like Pajari. He has no reason to. Plus stepping behind the wheel of the Rally2 car may help Latvala assist drivers like Yuki Yamamoto and Hikaru Kogure progress in the cars.
Who Will Take Over As Team Principal?
This also hasn’t been confirmed however, I have no doubt in my mind Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda will step in once again for Latvala. As Toyoda has a love for rallying and if he’s free would probably be more than happy to step back into the role for the weekend.