Latvala back for a freelance this year?

The passion has clearly not left the pilot, despite his “retirement” and a new position as director of the Toyota Gazoo Racing. Although he has not played an entire season since 2019, Jari-Matti Latvala has always allowed himself a few appearances from time to time, particularly in regional or historic events. But the fever of the highest level seems to have returned to him in recent months.

Leader of the TGR troops, the Finn allowed himself a getaway during the last Rally of Finland in which he participated at the wheel of a Yaris for the 2022 season. A first for him in just over three years (Sweden 2020). Since then, he has regained his position as director while competing in a few “small” national events such as the SM Tuuri Ralli where he put his Celica (ST185) on the roof.

But the desire is greater for Jari-Matti Latvala who would like to meet the big names of the weekend, in order to recapture the adrenaline of yesteryear. On this occasion, he began discussions with Toyota officials to be authorized to sit aboard a Toyota Yaris again in 2024.

« We talk about what's possible, he indicated as for a possible appearance in Finland (1^er-August 4). We'll see what we can do. We had some discussions about me using the car during my home rally (SM Tuuri Ralli), but this was not possible due to the Safari testing program. It would of course be really nice to get behind the wheel again in Finland. » It remains to convince Akio Toyoda (President of Toyota Motor Corporation). It's up to him to find the right arguments from now on.

ALSO READ > Thierry Neuville: everything for the title… before retirement?