Latvala says he is ready for Greece

After six weeks off following his ski fall, from which he emerged with a broken left collarbone, Jari-Matti Latvala got back behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta WRC, last week, during a long-planned test session in Portugal: “It feels good to get back to work,” he told us yesterday on the phone. I was even surprised that it went so well. I was a little apprehensive because I still felt a little pain which forced me to wear special protection under the “Hans”. Luckily, the right shoulder was not injured. And it is this arm that makes the most movement to change gears and pull the handbrake. I'm not 100% yet. I will work with my physiotherapist in the coming weeks to regain my strength. »

The two days of testing during which he completed around 400 km gave him the final green light to compete in the rally from Greece next week: “Ford's primary objective is the Manufacturers' Championship. For the pilots, as long as I have a chance, I will play my card to the fullest. It's true that my situation is not excellent but I continue to believe in it. I would put myself at Petter's service if I was no longer in a position to be champion. For the moment, this is not the case. » 
Other news from the Finn concerns his future and a possible transfer to Volkswagen: “It’s true that VW is interested in me. Timo Jouhki (his manager, editor's note) is currently talking with those in charge of the German team. My priority is to have a competitive car in 2013. But before making a decision, I want to speak with Ford. I feel good in this team and, as the Fiesta is competitive, I can also decide to stay. So nothing is done at the moment. »