Despite the demanding role of leading a WRC team, Latvala ensures he finds time for driving. At his workshop in Tuuri, a new historic-classification Toyota Celica is under construction, with which he aims to compete in the European Historic Rally Championship next season.
“The Celica is just short of some electrical work. I believe I’ll have it ready by the end of the month. I’m considering it more for the EM series if the rules come into effect in 2025 or 2026, to participate,” Latvala disclosed to RallyJournal.com
“The old car will be used more for gravel rallies, like the SM Pohjanmaa Ralli this summer, where I’ll definitely drive the old car.”
Latvala’s continuation as Toyota’s WRC team principal isn’t yet confirmed, as he has typically been offered a one-year contract at a time. If his responsibilities as team principal continue, the Finn will need to carefully consider which rallies he can participate in across Europe with his Celica.
“There’s, for example, the Vltava Rallye, where I’ve never competed. The same goes for the Rally Motul Costa Brava in Spain. It’s an interesting rally, and I’d like to rally there sometime. Likewise, the Asturias in Spain is a really good race,” Latvala contemplated.
“Those rallies are primarily on asphalt. It’s exactly those kinds of rallies where I haven’t been before that particularly interest me. We’ll see what the calendar looks like and how it fits.”
Latvala plans to compete in several events of the historic car European Championship if the schedule aligns favorably for the Finn.
“I’ll definitely race more than one rally when I start that series. If you plan to race more, the problem is likely that they will coincide with the WRC. This year, for instance, the first three or four races clash with WRC events. That’s something I need to think about,” Latvala summarized.
This year, Latvala has already driven in the Arctic Lapland Rally in early February and the SM Tuuri Ralli near his hometown. The latter ended in a crash.
Latvala can confirm his next two rallies. The autumn schedule remains open.
“The SM Pohjanmaa Ralli and Lahti Historic Rally are definite. Later in the year, there’s the Rally del Brunello in Italy, which I’ve been invited to. It’s just a week after the Rally Japan, so I’m not sure if it fits into the schedule. If I need to be in Japan, I’m not sure I’ll make it. The rallies for the rest of the year are still undecided,” Latvala concluded.
