Latvala back in action

Jari-Matti Latvala has moved a step closer to making his return to the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia by completing a two-day test in Sardinia this week - one month on from his cross-country skiing accident.

The factory Ford pilot was forced to miss April’s Philips Rally Argentina after breaking his left collarbone training for the South American round.

He has since undergone intensive physiotherapy in his native Finland in his efforts to be fit enough to contest the Acropolis Rally in Greece from 25-27 May. His test in Sardinia, where he covered 435 kilometres, marked another significant stage in his recovery process.

Speaking to Autosport.com, Latvala said: "We took the first day a little easier, to see how the arm will cope and take all the impacts. But on the second day we drove more. Today [day two of the test] we did three 30-kilometre runs. In Greece, the longest stage is 25 kilometres, so I am feeling confident for that."

“I am feeling very good. I am very happy after the test," he continued. "I have had the physiotherapist who was working with me in Finland here with me in the test - this has been a good help.”