Toyota Yaris brings confidence to Latvala

Une deuxième place et une victoire en deux courses. Le début de saison du Toyota Gazoo Racing et de Jari-Matti Latvala est on ne peut plus inattendu, et permet au Finlandais de pointer en tête du classement général après la manche suédoise.

Recruited by Tommi Mäkinen after the end of the Volkswagen Motorsport program at the end of last year, Latvala seems to be off to a new start after assisting the Frenchman. Sébastien Ogier for four years at VW. A change highlighted by his former boss Malcolm Wilson.

In addition to a different context, the three-time vice-world champion found in the Yaris WRC a car that meets his expectations. “What I absolutely need in my car is to have a good feeling when braking, describes Latvala.

This is the most important for me, for my driving, because I have quite aggressive braking. IF I don't have this feedback, then I'm struggling. The Yaris gives me exactly what I want. When I hit the brakes, I perfectly feel the degree of grip on the ground. In that sense, it reminds me a bit of the Ford Fiesta. »

Latvala also benefited from the misadventures of Thierry Neuville during the first two rallies to achieve two leading results. The Finn and Toyota will, however, have to confirm during the upcoming gravel events, starting in Mexico (March 9-12).

Find the full report of the Rally from Sweden, produced by our special correspondents, in issue 2101 of AUTOhebdo, always available in digital version and on newsstands.