Although Millener is best known as a team boss, he has some experience behind the wheel of a rally car himself. And as rally fans know well, being a team principal doesn’t necessarily stop you from driving.
Toyota’s long-time team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has managed to combine his role as team boss with rally driving. Next year, Latvala will compete even more actively, driving a Toyota Celica in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship.
But does Millener dream of a similar career? Would he be interested in doing a “Latvala” and getting behind the wheel of a rally car himself?
“I would always like to do that, but unfortunately, the cost of house renovations and children often puts a bit of a stop to the reality of how much I can drive,” Millener laughed.
“Every year, I try to do one kind of event, because I like to go back to the clubman element of the sport and what got me into it,” Millener continued.
Latvala has even competed in the World Rally Championship in recent years after retiring from full-time driving. He has made a couple of appearances at Rally Finland, among other events. Millener, however, doesn’t have the appetite for that level of competition.
“The very top level is exciting. It’s great to know that you’re dealing with the very top of a world championship sport. But it can be very difficult. It can be a very tough environment – political, frustrating, and really disappointing at times. But it can also have incredible highs,” Millener reflected.
Millener admits that competing is what he enjoys the most and what initially drew him to the sport.
“I’m sure I’ll be back out again at some point, but so far, it hasn’t gone too badly,” Millener said.
He is, however, happy for Latvala, who has managed to continue pursuing his greatest passion alongside his role as a team principal.
“Jari-Matti seems to enjoy his driving, and Mr. (Akio) Toyoda seems to let him do it, so good luck to him. But I’m not sure Malcolm (Wilson) will be giving me too many cars to go driving. I think I’m pretty much stuck doing what I’m doing at the moment,” Millener joked.
