Upbeat Latvala can’t wait for Australia

Jari-Matti Latvala insists that his crash in Germany eight days ago has not dented his motivation to fight for victory on the upcoming Coates Hire Rally Australia (11-14 September).

Latvala was poised to take a second consecutive rally win at ADAC Rallye Deutschland, and slash the points gap to championship rival and VW team-mate Sebastien Ogier, when he crashed on the final day.

But rather than dwell on the incident, Latvala told wrc.com that he was bursting with confidence and eager to get back behind the wheel of his Polo R.

“Of course I was angry with myself after Germany because I realised I had a big chance to take my first win on tarmac and the points for the championship, but it didn’t happen,” he said.

“The main thing is I learned a lot from it and won’t let it happen again. I have to say I feel really motivated and am looking forward to Rally Australia. If I could, I would like to start the competition now.”

Despite trailing Ogier by 44 points, Latvala insists the title fight is still on if he can keep his recent form.

He said: “I had a good performance in Finland and Deutschland, and it’s important to keep up the good feeling.

"We still have four rounds to go and we are still in the championship fight. Okay, it’s difficult, but you never know, so we have to keep the fight going on.”