Latvala confirmed on Monday that he will compete in the European Historic Rally Championship next season, aiming to challenge for the championship title.
“I’m proud to announce that I will be competing in the 2025 FIA European Historic Rally Championship with the Celica ST185, which will feature the GR (Toyota Gazoo Racing) colours. Driving is my passion, and thanks to the new regulations, I now have the opportunity to compete in this Championship next year,” Latvala said during Toyota’s press conference on Monday.
Latvala also revealed his new co-driver.
“And when you enter a competition, you also need a co-driver. I’m very proud to announce my co-driver for the season: Janni Hussi,” Latvala announced.
Latvala and Hussi already competed together in three rallies this year with the Toyota Celica. Latvala had hinted at their continued collaboration during the Lahti Historic Rally earlier this year.
The pair is not entering the European Championship just for fun.
“We are approaching this seriously. We want to do it professionally, even though it’s an old car. This is about heritage – we need to understand the past to shape the future,” Latvala explained.
Hussi began the season as Lauri Joona’s co-driver, with the duo competing in WRC2 until Rally Finland in early August. Later in the year, Hussi worked with Toyota, serving in Takamoto Katsuta’s gravel crew for the Central European and Japanese WRC rallies.
Latvala will need to reduce his responsibilities as team principal slightly next year to accommodate his driving schedule. Toyota confirmed on Monday that Juha Kankkunen has been appointed as Toyota’s deputy team principal. Kankkunen will take charge when Latvala cannot attend WRC events.
“The FIA European Historic Championship includes nine rallies, while the World Championship has 14 rounds. Unfortunately, many of the events overlap, and I can’t be in two places at once. So we definitely need support to ensure our drivers are looked after,” Latvala said.
Toyota’s WRC team also announced its driver line-up for the 2025 World Rally Championship season on Monday.
Read more: Toyota’s WRC team announces drivers for the 2025 season – surprising news about Sami Pajari!
