Just last week, Latvala was managing Toyota’s WRC team at Rally Monte-Carlo. He returned to Finland late on Sunday and, the very next day, set off for Rovaniemi.
At the Arctic Circle, Latvala will take part in the legendary Arctic Lapland Rally with his Toyota Celica, accompanied by co-driver Janni Hussi. This time, Latvala hopes to finally complete the rally without major issues.
“This is only my fourth start at the Arctic Rally. Last year, we managed to reach the finish line for the first time. If we could now have a trouble-free rally and get to properly drive these special stages – that would be one goal,” Latvala said.
Latvala had another special reason for bringing his historic-spec Toyota to Lapland.
“Two legendary special stages, Autiovaara and Murtotunturi, have been added to the rally this year. If there’s any place for an Arctic adventure, it’s Murtotunturi.”
“During recce, Janni and I noticed that there are jumps, technical sections, fog, and high-speed roads. There were no reindeer, but everything else was there,” Latvala listed.
Latvala is also keen to refine his collaboration with Hussi during the Arctic Lapland Rally. The duo will compete in the full FIA European Historic Rally Championship season this year, with the opening round taking place in mid-March in Spain.
Recce for the Arctic Lapland Rally began on Tuesday, and it immediately presented Latvala with a challenge after his recent travels.
“I have to admit, I told Janni as well that during the first special stage of recce, I felt like I was asleep. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and can’t see as well in the dark anymore,” Latvala laughed.
“That probably made the recce feel a bit stiff at first. But we got into it eventually.”
The Arctic Lapland Rally, part of the Finnish Rally Championship, features a total of 13 special stages on Friday and Saturday.
