Latvala: Another victory is not a realistic goal

After a first victory at the last WRC event in Sweden, Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala admits that he will not aim for another win in Mexico, the location of the next round of the season.

Latvala became the youngest driver in history to win a WRC event in Sweden during his second rally with the BP Ford team. But despite this achievement, the 22-year-old Finn is preparing for a much more relaxed rally this weekend in Mexico, as Loeb cannot afford to let the victory slip away…

« I don’t have much experience in Mexico compared to other events. I will have to be calmer than in Sweden, » says Latvala. « Another victory is not a realistic goal. I would be satisfied with a podium. »

Latvala finished seventh last season, his best result in two World Championship participations. He has learned to be cautious in the fords (deceptive roadside tracks). During reconnaissance, the roads are in good condition, but I was surprised by the impacts the cars can endure during the rally. Where water comes down from the mountains and crosses the roads, the passages can be very deep, and after a very fast section, the car can experience a very harsh impact, he explains.

After a testing session in France, Latvala said he is satisfied with the new Pirelli Scorpion tires: « I am happy with our tests last week. The Pirelli tires seem solid to me. I hit several stones and didn’t get a puncture. »

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