Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota): "It's hard to dream of a better start to the season"

What is your state of mind at the end of this race?

Before the start, I was convinced that the positions on the road, the evolution of the conditions and the new tires would create significant gaps… but I was wrong. Having 5 riders in 25'' for three days was remarkable. This morning (Sunday), I was very anxious before the launch of the last stage. It is very stressful to follow such a battle especially because two of your crews are fighting for the first place.

Did Elfyn Evans impress you?

He seemed very relaxed to me throughout the weekend… except perhaps for the first time trial on Sunday. There, I saw the “old Elfyn” resurface (laughs), the one who was too nervous. What I found very strong about him was the way he was able to pull himself together for the second pass in the SS where he had lost so much time on the first lap.

So far, it's hard to dream of a better start to the season?

With two doubles in two races, our crews were very efficient. It would have been difficult to hope for better. Evans was very strong mentally to respond to Takamoto, but at the same time I can also say that Taka is now ready to win a rally.

With Elfyn in great shape, Kata who you see close to her first success and Kalle who will have to react quickly, you will have work at Safari to monitor your pilots!

Luckily, I'm not the one going to Kenya! I'll leave it to Juha Kankkunen to handle this situation (laughs).

Comments collected by Loïc Rocci

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