Toyota’s official team principal Jari-Matti Latvala is spending more time behind the wheel this year, as he competes in the European Historic Rally Championship. Kankkunen steps in as Toyota’s team principal whenever Latvala is unable to attend events in person.
Kankkunen last served as Toyota’s acting team principal at the Safari Rally Kenya and clearly seemed to enjoy his new role.
“Juha really liked it. He’s been very enthusiastic about taking on these duties with me,” Latvala told RallyJournal.com.
According to Latvala, the four-time world champion has a lot to offer to Toyota’s drivers – and to the entire team and its people.
“Juha understands the drivers’ mentality, and the drivers respect him. And from the team spirit perspective, it’s important that Juha is also the kind of person who is very patient. If he has to sit in the same place all day, he will sit in the same place all day,” Latvala explained.
Latvala says Kankkunen always has time for everyone.
“He takes the time to engage with people. That’s exactly what we have wanted and needed from him,” Latvala praised.
Latvala will also skip the WRC round in Portugal in May. He will next be present at Rally Sardinia in June.
“We were together with Juha at Monte, and I’ll be back on-site at Sardinia. Juha will surely be there as well,” Latvala said.
