WRC – Latvala is already working for the future in Mexico

Jari-Matti Latvala has almost nothing left to play in Rally of Mexico except the bonus points from the Power Stage played today. After retiring following a broken wishbone at the start of the first stage following contact with a stone, the Finn returned to the wheel yesterday, concentrating on the settings of the Polo R WRC and on the testing of new elements (engine and suspension) with a view to the next events contested on this surface. “It felt good to get back to business after being so unlucky in the first meters of the first stage. I did very well and now feel very comfortable behind the wheel of the Polo. I had to adapt my driving style slightly by trying to be even more precise. As we are no longer able to change the rankings, we are using Mexico to prepare for the next gravel events by testing different elements and settings. »

If Volkswagen Motorsport may regret the new retirement of Jari-Matti Latvala after an initial disappointment in Monte-Carlo, the Wolfsburg manufacturer is convinced of the potential of the Finn who is still finding his feet at the wheel of the Polo R WRC. “It was a great day for Volkswagen”, added sports director Jost Capito. “Every cog fell into place perfectly within the team which runs like clockwork. Jari-Matti Latvala also deserves great respect after returning to rallying in style following his retirement. His series of impressive times proved that he was more than capable of facing Sébastien (Ogier). He took advantage of this stage to test elements for the next upcoming rallies and took advantage of this opportunity to continue adapting to the Polo R WRC which is still new to him. »