Jari-Matti Latvala: “I always wanted to become a rally driver”

If we go back a long way, what would be your first automobile memory?

Very good question ! One day, at breakfast, my father (Jari, also a pilot of rally. Editor's note) was complaining because he couldn't find anyone to repair his rally car. I got up and rushed to pick up the first tools that came along to get to work! I was about four years old and my dad's Audi Quattro had a rear brake problem. In his company, there was a separate part reserved for this activity. I think that's my first memory.

As always with you when it comes to rallying, you are astonishingly precise. After such a departure, could you have followed another path?

I tried my hand at ice hockey, but I didn't have the talent for the high level. I think I always wanted to become a rally driver. However, I knew that school was important so I continued my education, scrupulously respecting my father's advice. When I was 15, he said to me: “ If you want to run, I will give you as much help as I can so that you have good equipment. But you have to make a choice between drinking or owning a car... » I chose the car!

Did you have the ambition from the start to play in the World Cup?

When I started, I had four goals! Be integrated into an official team, win a special stage, win an event and win the title. As a pilot, I achieved 3 out of 4 (Latvala has finished runner-up in the world three times, in 2010, 2014 and 2015. Editor’s note)

Was it difficult waiting until you were old enough to put on a helmet?