The Toyota WRC team principal has long dreamed of competing more himself. Latvala is considering entering the European Historic Rally Championship in 2025.
The regulations for the European Historic Rally Championship were updated in October, allowing Latvala to potentially compete in Europe next year with his Toyota Celica GT-Four ST185. In previous years, historic rallies have often clashed heavily with WRC events, but next year, this may not be an issue for Latvala.
“The motorsport council meeting will determine next season’s rules, and that will largely decide how the next season will look. I can say I’ll start the WRC season normally and be present for the first two rallies,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com.
“Then it depends on the historic calendar and whether the rallies overlap or not. We’ll see if I’ll also have to miss some WRC events.”
It’s possible that Latvala could be a part-time team principal next year, following a similar path that Kalle Rovanperä took as a driver this season.
This unusual arrangement also seems to fit with Toyota’s plans for Latvala. Part-time drivers have become a bit of a trend in the WRC in recent years, but a part-time team principal would be a first for the series.
“Yes, it’s possible. That’s something I’ve been pursuing, as I’d like to race more myself. One fact is that next season has 14 rallies, six of which are long-distance events. That’s a lot of travel,” Latvala explained.
“I’d prefer to spend more time in Europe rather than travelling to all the WRC events. I’d like to reduce the amount of travel.”
