Latvala: “The most beautiful victory”

Jari-Matti Latvala, since the start of the weekend, had remained very discreet. But, very regular, the driver of the Ford Focus WRC n°4 remained in ambush in the first places, a handful of seconds from the lead of the Rally from New Zealand. This Sunday, his consistency paid off. After the errors of Sébastien Ogier, Petter Solberg and Sébastien Loeb, the Finn was able to take the lead at the end of the final timed sector.

« I didn't think it could happen » admits, still surprised by his victory, Jari-Matti Latvala. “ This is the most incredible and beautiful of my victories. Whaanga Coast (SS19 and SS21) showed its fangs. I didn't know I had won until three minutes after the finish of the stage, then Mikka (Anttila) did the calculations. It's my greatest success and it makes me feel good after several disappointments. »

From now on, Jari-Matti Latvala is ahead of Mikko Hirvonen and finds himself in second place in the World Championship, behind Sébastien Loeb. “ I can't believe I'm second in the championship. I wasn't the fastest here but I was consistent and it counted at the right time. It was a fantastic rally on the most beautiful roads in the world. I have to continue to do the work I do as a second pilot because my strategy is working »