Costa Brava: Latvala passes between the drops

Despite the rain forecast and unseasonably cool temperatures, just a lap around the service park set up in the suburbs of Girona (70 km south of the French border) was enough to put a smile on your face. For a Cartesian mind, it was possible to be unsettled by the prospect of seeing 90s GrAs competing against R5 Turbos or Lancia Stratos for victory, but for a lover of rally, what a joy. The historical side of this sport has been developing for several years to the point of overshadowing what is practiced in modern times where standardization is too great. For this 73^e edition of the Rally Costa Brava, the organizers were fortunate to welcome an exceptionally diverse and high-quality field. Among the thirty or so Porsche, or the twenty or so BMM3s, there was no "trash". Some preparers like Mats van den Brand (called MATS for his friends...) have become specialists in this branch and the 7 M3s of the Dutchman lined up next to each other were very impressive. Before the arrival in the coming years of the Kit-Car or the first WRC, we must be pleased with the presence of three Lancia Stratos, R5 Turbo, a multitude of Ford Escorts, an Audi Quattro,Alpine, a rare Vauxhall Chevette HRS or even an incredible BMW M1. The event having decided to put the Lancia 037 in the spotlight to celebrate the victory of Miki Biasion (who was present!) when the rally was part of the 1985 European championship, there were several examples of the Italian. Counting for the 2025 EHRC, this first event of a calendar that was to have 10 (doubts hang over the Vltava Rally in the Czech Republic scheduled for April 26-27) brought together title contenders including Jari-Matti Latvala.

Latvala logically, Dumas as an artist

« I really want to compete in the championship this season, because I have a car that is eligible to score points., the Finn explained before leaving. If Kit Cars or WRCs arrive in the coming years, it will be much more difficult. This year, I have my chance, even if the calendar is mainly on tarmac. "As the TGR director indicated, only one round should be run on gravel (Lahti in Finland on August 15-16). With his tiny structure that pales in comparison to much more impressive facilities, Latvala did not miss his trip. Despite persistent rain that made the roads very slippery, he made no mistakes to win with Janni Hussi at his side. On some stages, I really felt like I was at Monte Carlo., laughed the Nordic. The grip was very low, but everything worked well. Our car doesn't have the best suspension for asphalt. It's a bit too high, but here it was good to have a mobile car. The goal now is to participate in the Antibes Rally in May. (15-17, Editor's note). » Having come to have fun, Romain Dumas had to work hard to make the most of his Porsche 911 Carrera in such conditions. He was particularly hampered by the lack of rear tires for the wet. The former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans still kept smiling, even when he had to dive under the German to try to soften the front, coming out soaked and muddy. Second, he was ahead of the Swiss Pascal Perroud who had a consistent rally. Beyond the result, what will remain from this weekend is the pleasure of having seen cars evolve in competition that continue to make enthusiasts dream, far from the quarrels concerning regulations or abuses of language.

In conditions that would not allow a rear-wheel drive car to be used on the roads, Romain Dumas took 2nd place (Photo: Loïc Rocci)

Ranking 73rd Rally Costa Brava

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