Latvala: consistency is key to WRC glory

Jari-Matti Latvala has told Wrc.com that he needs to be more consistent in order to challenge for next year’s World Rally Championship crown.

The 26-year-old from Finland is being tipped as a genuine title contender in 2012 following several standout performances this season, which culminated in a hugely impressive victory on Wales Rally GB earlier this month.

Latvala, who placed fourth in the final standings at the wheel of a Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Fiesta RS WRC, said: “If you want to win the championship you really need to be consistent, it’s not only the speed that is necessary. That’s how [Sebastien] Loeb has claimed his eight world titles. He doesn’t do so many mistakes. Your basic speed level needs to be so high, but then you need a bit extra and that is to be consistent and know when to put the pressure on the other driver in order to attack them.”

He continued: “But you can’t expect to win every rally and this is where Loeb is fantastic. In Jordan this year he knew he didn’t have the feeling and didn’t take the risks for one card only. He’s checking all the cards all of the time.”