Latvala: don’t expect such a performance in Sweden

Jari-Matti Latvala created a surprise by taking 2nd place in the Rally Monte-Carlo after having notably benefited from the misfortunes of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) who was still in the lead of the event during the penultimate stage. The Finn is now 7 points behind the Championship leader. Sébastien Ogier and has now aroused media interest as the project of Toyota Gazoo Racing raised many questions before the start of the season.

The leading Toyota Gazoo Racing driver will have the opportunity to shine again next week at the Swedish Rally, which he has won three times, even if victory does not seem to be on the agenda yet.

“I have very good memories of Sweden since I won my first rally victory there in 2008, but the conditions are very different now, commented Jari-Matti Latvala. I tested the Yaris on snow WRC before Christmas and last week. Despite the short time between the two sessions, we were able to see the significant progress the team was making. It remains the priority objective this year to continue to evolve in the right direction. »

“The result in Monte-Carlo was a nice surprise, but I don't think it's realistic to expect the same thing in Sweden, underlined the former Volkswagen driver. We must remember that our team is brand new and the project is only just beginning. Temperatures are quite high in Sweden at the moment and we should encounter conditions similar to previous editions which are quite delicate. I hope the temperatures drop, it will make a better show for everyone. »

Toyota Gazoo Racing occupies 2rd place in the Manufacturers' Championship, 16 points behind M-Sport at the end of the Monte-Carlo Rally.