Malcolm Wilson highlights Latvala's performances

Miser sur une victoire de Toyota since the Rally of Sweden seemed a very risky bet before the start of the 2017 season of WRC. Jari-Matti Latvala's second place in Monte-Carlo, won by taking advantage of the setbacks of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) avait toutefois mis la structure de Tommi Mäkinen sur de bons rails.

A good start confirmed last weekend on Swedish snow with a success for the Finn, after another error from Neuville. Results which validate the regularity of Latvala and seem to underline the progress of the Yaris since the last phases of its preparation. Enough to nevertheless create a surprise among the opponents of the Japanese brand.

“Everyone thought that Citroën was going to dominate this start of the season, me first, confesse Malcolm Wilson, patron de M-Sport. I was convinced that they would be the team to beat because they had prepared well.

By not being entered in 2016, they had time to focus on the development of their new WRC. I saw them looking very strong on the occasion of their big official comeback. For the moment, this is not the case and I am very happy that my team is obtaining results.

In another sense, it's surprising to see Toyota so competitive. In my opinion, it is above all because Jari Matti drove very well on these first two rallies. I have the impression that he has become younger and has gained a big boost! In any case, it's good for him to be back at the top. Everyone knows what he is capable of and here he was fantastic. »

Find the full report and analysis of the Swedish Rally, produced by our special correspondents, in issue 2101 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.