WRC – Latvala: Germany “in dry weather, it’s great”

Asphalt is not Jari-Matti Latvala's specialty. But the Finn managed to achieve convincing results on this surface. As proof, the second place he gleaned last year, at the wheel of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC. This weekend, between Cologne and Trier, he and his co-driver Miika Anttila will aim for a fifth podium this season, to help VW Motorsport win the Manufacturers' world title.

“I particularly like “Arena Panzerplatte”, underlines Jari-Matti Latvala. Tracks like this have real originality and there should be more of them in rallies. Otherwise, certain sectors are reminiscent of Finland. There are many wide and fast sections in which you can ride with your feet to the floor. Especially since the entire event takes place on asphalt. The vineyards of the Moselle valley have their own physiognomy, unique in the context of the world championship. In dry weather, it's great. But if unfortunately it comes to rain, with the mud, hello damage! I finished 2nd last year, it?s my best result here to date. I would like to do it again, so as to give my team a good result in their own backyard.”

The Finn will be even more keen to shine this weekend as his employer plays at home. THE Rally of Germany is therefore the ideal place to strike a blow and get rid of the troublesome general ranking Thierry Neuville, which sticks to him. Because if his stablemate Sébastien Ogier is far ahead in the general ranking, Latvala would see himself pocketing the honorary title of vice-world champion at the end of the year.

Find in your magazine CARweekly n°1923, available now in digital version and from tomorrow on newsstands, the presentation of the Rally of Germany. Without forgetting an exclusive report on the tests carried out by Hyundai, whose return to the discipline is scheduled for next year.