Wilson blames Latvala (again)

Jari-Matti Latvala's brilliant performance in Italy almost made us forget his very disappointing start to the season. Yesterday, in Greece, a new mistake cost his team dearly. Malcolm Wilson, boss of the Ford team, promises to “remember it for a long time”.

Published on 13/06/2009 à 08:19

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In the lead after SS5, Jari-Matti Latvala had to maintain his position until the finish of the first day to overtake Mikko Hirvonen and open the way for him during the second stage. But a mistake in the last stage, at the worst time, deprived Ford of any strategy.

“I attacked as much as possible to increase my lead,” admits Jari-Matti. “On a descent, on a long left before a hairpin on the right, I braked a little late. The rear of the car slid into a ditch. This is a pilot error. I am very disappointed for Mikko and the team. »

“Everything was going according to our plans until Jari-Matti made this mistake on the last stage of the day,” commented Malcolm Wilson. “It’s a big disappointment for us. Jari-Matti puts the whole team in a difficult situation. I will remember it for a long time. From now on, Mikko occupies first place and will have to sweep the road ahead of the Citroëns. Anything can still happen but the situation is clearly no longer to our advantage. »