Q&A with Jari-Matti Latvala after Wales Rally GB

Jari-Matti Latvala started Wales Rally GB still searching for his first victory in a new-generation World Rally Car. But the wait is over after he stormed to a commanding victory in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. He spoke to Wrc.com at the finish in Cardiff.

It’s been 470 days since your last victory in Finland. How are you feeling now?

“It’s a long time, a long, long time. At some points I was thinking we’re not going to win anything this year but finally I’m really happy it came here in Wales.”

And a great way to end a season during which you produced a number of world class performances...

“The performance has been good. In some of the rallies unfortunately it’s not been working out so well, just little things going wrong and that’s been really frustrating. So this gives us a much better feeling and also a good feeling to start next season.”

With that in mind, how important was this win for you?

“If I hadn’t have got this victory then there would have been more pressure on myself next year.”

A new format and route for this year’s event but the challenge has been just as tough. How difficult has it been out on the stages?

“I’ve always said I like this rally but it’s a very challenging rally. You need to be able to read the road, feel the surface. It’s one of the toughest with the weather.”

What did it mean to you when you went fastest on the first stage this morning and extended your lead over Sebastien Loeb?

“I had a good feeling. I felt it was now or never basically. I was relaxed, of course there was a couple of moments, but no mega things happening on that stage. I thought if I keep going in this way then it should be enough.”

What did you think when Loeb had his problem?

“It was a shock, I couldn’t believe it. We got a message there had been a crash but I thought how was it possible because he had finished the stage and had a time. Then I realised it was on the road section, it was unbelievable.”

And what about 2012 - can you become world champion?

“I really would like to see Ford being world champion next year. It’s a long time since there was last a Ford driver winning the title. The car is competitive now on all surfaces. If you want to win the championship you need to be so consistent, that’s how Loeb has won eight titles. He doesn’t do so many mistakes.”