The traditional Lahti Historic Rally once again forms part of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. This year, Latvala has worked only part-time as Toyota’s WRC team principal, allowing him to focus more on competing in historic rallies with his Toyota Celica.
Latvala won the opening two rounds of the season but was forced to retire in both France and Belgium. Now he needs a strong result in Finland to keep his title hopes alive.
“Both of the last two European Championship rounds ended early – the first due to an electrical fault and the second because of a blown head gasket. We’ve worked really hard since then, and the boys have been grafting right up to the last moment,” Latvala said on the eve of the rally.
According to Latvala, nothing has been left to chance.
“On the night between Monday and Tuesday, the engine was once again stripped down on the bench, and we made the final tweaks. Now it should work. We need those points.”
Latvala’s Toyota Celica ST185 has undergone a major rebuild ahead of the Lahti Historic Rally. A year ago, Latvala and co-driver Janni Hussi were forced to retire from the event with technical problems, but this time they are determined to avoid the same fate.
“The car has had a big update. The rear floor was replaced, along with a new engine and wiring. We also took out the gearbox and suspension. So we’ve done some really major servicing to the car,” Latvala explained.
“I’m not exactly a top mechanic myself, but luckily we have good friends who know how to take care of these things. I order the parts for them, and the boys put it all together and service the car.”
The Lahti Historic Rally starts on Friday with six special stages, followed by another six on Saturday.
The same stages around Lahti will also host a round of the Finnish Rally Championship on Friday and Saturday.
