Latvala: Co-driver not to blame for early exit

Jari-Matti Latvala says he doesn’t blame co-driver Miikka Anttila after the Ford duo retired from Rally d’Italia Sardegna following a crash on the opening stage of the gravel event.

Latvala was approximately three kilometres into stage one when an incorrect pace note call from navigator Anttila resulted in him going off the road.

Although Latvala completed the stage and started the next run, damage caused to his Fiesta RS WRC proved too great and he stopped after six kilometres. He is due to restart on Saturday morning.

“About three kilometres after the start of the opening stage, Miikka made a mistake with a pace note and called a left corner much faster than it was,” said Latvala. “I approached the bend almost flat out, and by the time I realised it was slower and tighter it was too late. I tried to brake, but the road was slippery and the car went backwards into the ditch and hit a wall.”

“The car ended back on the road but the impact damaged the left steering arm. We drove to the finish and tried to make repairs for the next stage, but there was little we could do. We tried to drive the stage but it was too much for the suspension wishbone and steering arm, which snapped after six kilometres.”

“I don’t blame Miikka. I’ve made plenty of mistakes behind the wheel and every co-driver has made an error at some point. We all try to be perfect, but we’re only human and I feel disappointed for Miikka also.”

Ford technical head Christian Loriaux said: “It’s frustrating because he had such a fantastic rally in Jordan and was in a good position here. A small mistake has cost them a lot but these things happen. The problem is it puts the pressure on all the team and Mikko [Hirvonen, who was second overall at the midday halt]. I’m sure he’ll SupeRally tomorrow and do some good times.”

Prior to Sardinia Latvala was the only driver to have scored a podium finish on the first four rounds of the season.