Latvala started the rally for the first time with co-driver Hussi. The duo was in excellent form on the first special stage of the event, which is part of the European Historic Rally Championship. However, on the second stage, Latvala’s Toyota Celica broke down.
Latvala arrived at the service area in Lahti harbour in the afternoon, disappointed.
“We shouldn’t be here. Of course, there’s a sense of frustration. The rally started off quite nicely, and the car was performing well on the first special stage. On the second stage, about two kilometres before the finish, the turbo broke,” Latvala recounted to RallyJournal.com.
“There was a bang, and after that, the power disappeared. The car was only moving at around 30 kilometres per hour. We dragged ourselves to the end of the second stage and drove a short distance on the road section, but I realised there was no way we could get through the next special stage and then still drive a long road section. We had to retire for the day,” Latvala said regretfully.
The repairs on Latvala’s car began on Friday afternoon.
“Let’s hope we get everything sorted and can drive on Saturday. Hopefully, there’s nothing else broken. I’m hoping it’s just the turbo, but we’ll find out soon,” Latvala noted.
According to Latvala, the cooperation with Hussi worked well on the first stage.
“At first, Janni had to get used to my pace notes a bit, but she got into it quickly. She read the notes well and clearly. It was really nice to drive from those notes; she has a very good note-reading voice. She reads calmly, without stress or haste. She has a professional touch as a co-driver,” Latvala praised.
It’s possible that Latvala and Hussi’s partnership will continue even after the Lahti Rally. Latvala, who works as the boss of Toyota’s WRC team, dreams of competing more in rounds of the European Historic Rally Championship in the future.
“There might be an opportunity next year if the new regulations come in, allowing newer cars. I have a Celica 185 waiting, so I’d like to do those events. It’s good to know that Janni might be keen to join, as Juho Hänninen doesn’t have the time. He’s so busy with Toyota’s youth training programmes,” Latvala mentioned.
