Juha Kankkunen stood in for Latvala as Toyota’s WRC team principal in Gran Canaria, while Latvala was competing at the Vltava Rally. Latvala was almost as dominant in the Czech Republic as Toyota star Kalle Rovanperä was at the same time in Gran Canaria. Latvala took victory by a margin of nearly four minutes.
Latvala set the fastest time on every stage except one. On the final stage of the opening day, he eased off to protect the car after noticing a rise in oil temperature.
Otherwise, Latvala encountered no major issues during the rally.
“Sunday’s stages were great, with fast sections, elevation changes, and good grip. On the tenth stage, I cut across a concrete section and, rejoining the road, the sharp edge of the concrete took a chunk out of the wheel rim, causing the tyre to deflate. We had to drive about three kilometres on a flat tyre, but fortunately, we didn’t lose too much time,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com.
“The rally was very well organised and I really liked it. The stages were good, the route was very compact, and the road sections were short. A really good rally.”
Latvala’s season has started impressively. He has now secured two wins from two events.
“I’m feeling really good now, having taken two consecutive wins. In terms of the championship, we are in a good position. It’s a great base for the rest of the season.”
In the Czech Republic, Tuukka Shemeikka stepped in for Latvala’s regular co-driver Janni Hussi, who was on gravel crew duty in Gran Canaria.
“Tuukka did a really good job, and we got the collaboration working well. He made sure that the driver didn’t overstrain the car. I appreciated how he was thinking about the car, reading the pace notes really well and working calmly. It was a very professional approach.”
“Janni will be back for the Rallye Antibes in France, and we will continue together from there,” Latvala confirmed.
Before the next round, Latvala’s Toyota Celica will need some maintenance to ensure it’s in top condition for the rally in a little over two weeks’ time.
“We need to remove the gearbox because there was a small issue with third gear – it didn’t always want to stay engaged. And since the turbo gasket burned, the exhaust manifold will also need to be replaced before the next event.”
The Rallye d’Antibes is scheduled for the same weekend as the Rally de Portugal, so Latvala will return to his Toyota WRC team principal duties at Rally Sardinia in early June.
