Jari-Matti Latvala is stepping aside from his role as team principal as he focuses on his own racing in the European Historic Rally Championship this spring. In Kenya, he will be replaced by rally legend Juha Kankkunen from Laukaa.
The four-time world champion has been familiarising himself with the role alongside Latvala since the end of last year, so everything should be in order. In Toyota’s management structure, the team is led by multiple key figures. Kankkunen’s role is to act as a motivator and communicate team updates to the media. Of course, the rally icon is also ready to share his opinions if asked.
Two-time Safari Rally winner Kalle Rovanperä is pleased to have another world champion stepping in. Kankkunen holds two more world titles than the young Finnish star and also has one more Safari Rally victory under his belt.
“It’s really cool to have Juha in Safari for first time. I’m really good friends with him. And of course he has a crazy amount of experience,” Rovanperä enthused.
“Of course it’s a bit a few years ago already, but yeah, it’s cool to see him there and I’m sure he has a good feeling. I think that’s the most important thing.”
According to Rovanperä, the easy-going Kankkunen is a great addition to Toyota’s WRC team. In two weeks, the Finnish driver aims to match Kankkunen’s record of Safari Rally victories.
“I think Juha always brings a really positive feeling. And I think we can work together with him really well. It’s always difficult to predict anything of Safari, but you can expect us to push really hard and try our best.”
The Safari Rally Kenya takes place from 20th to 23rd March.
