Jari-Matti Latvala: “Rovanperä’s approach reminds me of Kankkunen”

What does this new title from Kalle and Jonne inspire you?

I am very happy, but also very proud of Kalle and Jonne. They had a fantastic season during which they were very solid. The year was much more complicated than 2022, with Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin in particular doing a very good job of putting pressure on until the end. I think the difference was made in regularity.

Knowing Kalle well, were you surprised to see him adopt this tactic this year?

His approach made me think of Juha Kankkunen who was always calculating how to take points. Juha was running for that, not to win every event. It is clear that he did not follow mine. Let's say I had another strategy. (Laughs)

Do you find that Kalle initially lacked motivation at the start of the championship?

Perhaps in fact he did not start it by immediately telling himself that he was aiming for a second title. This did not prevent him from being consistent and recording points. After his 4^e place in Croatia, I felt a change. The desire to fight for the title again was back. The victory in Portugal opened the door to the rest of the season by giving him confidence. For me, the most important period was during spring. This put him in an excellent position.

During this CER, Kalle made the difference on the mud of the first day. How does he always be so comfortable on soft ground? A quality honed in his Drift events that he loves?

If you remember correctly, this was already the case in Croatia or Estonia last year. When conditions are difficult, he is ahead. I think Kalle has the ability to understand the grip level. When you find yourself facing slippery sections, the first reaction is to start looking for grip, while Kalle says to himself: that it will be okay ". He is not the type to ask himself too many questions when difficulties arise. Kalle doesn't get angry. He has the courage to face them. I would add that at the exit of each mud-stained curve, Kalle manages to escape both quickly and smoothly while several of his colleagues oversteer and lose time. He has a perfect car feel and it's a natural talent for him.

Comments collected by L. Rocci