Latvala admits team change is an option

Jari-Matti Latvala has admitted publically for the first time that his future in the FIA World Rally Championship might not be with the factory Ford team.

The Finn is chasing his second victory in a row for the Blue Oval on Rallye de France Alsace this week but he has revealed that he is torn between switching to Volkswagen from 2013 or staying put at Ford.

“It’s not a secret we have an offer from Volkswagen, we have an offer from Ford but we haven’t done the decision yet,” said Latvala. “I have been so many years with Ford that it will be difficult to leave but then on the other hand the situation is not easy because Ford has currently committed to only the year after this in the World Rally Championship, while Volkswagen has longer commitments.”

Latvala confirmed he is not currently working to a precise timescale to finalise his future plans but added that his current predicament was proving a distraction.

“To be honest it’s better when you don’t need to think at all,” said Latvala. “I try to push it to one side because my manager will take care of it and see the best option. It’s something that goes a little bit in your mind but I can still fully concentrate. It should not affect anything for the driving.”