Latvala and Kankkunen were representing Toyota at the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan. At the end of the event, the two Toyota WRC team figures got to do what they love most – rally driving.
Both Latvala and Kankkunen performed demonstration runs in front of a massive audience. The car was Latvala’s own Toyota Celica, which he is using in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship this year.
“It was really, really nice to drive and I’m very happy to see so many people,” Latvala said appreciatively.
“It’s amazing to be here in Tokyo Auto Salon. Bringing my old Celica here and driving it together with Juha Kankkunen has been very special moment,” Latvala added.
Check out a video of Latvala’s performance below!
After Latvala, four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen took over the Celica and showcased his own driving skills. The experience brought back fond memories for the Finnish legend.
“It was very big pleasure for me to drive Celica again, because it’s more than 30 years ago, when I won the world championship with that car. Still it feels like home,” Kankkunen joked.
Kankkunen won his last world title in 1993 in a similar Toyota Celica ST185.
Check out a video of Kankkunen’s performance below!
Latvala and Kankkunen will return to Finland briefly before the start of the WRC season. The new season kicks off next week with Rally Monte Carlo.
Kankkunen will serve as Toyota’s deputy team principal this year and will be present in Monte Carlo to observe Latvala’s work. He will take over as team principal for the WRC events Latvala misses due to his participation in historic rallies.
Kankkunen’s first solo stint as team principal will be at the Safari Rally Kenya in March.
