Wilson: Latvala replacement decision due next week

Ford World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson says a decision on who will replace Jari-Matti Latvala on Philips Rally Argentina later this month is unlikely until Monday of next week.

Latvala has been ruled out of the South American classic after he broke his left collarbone in a heavy fall while cross-country skiing in his native Finland on Wednesday.

Although surgery on Thursday night to insert seven metal screws into his injured shoulder proved a success, the Rally Sweden winner has been sidelined to give him the best possible chance of being fit for the Acropolis Rally at the end of May.

“My first concern has obviously been Jari and how best to get his situation resolved so it’s right for him,” Wilson said. “Now we have taken the decision that it’s best for him to miss Argentina so he’s 100 per cent fit for the Acropolis, one of the most difficult rallies in the championship, we will look at his replacement for Argentina although we’re not currently in a position to make an announcement until Monday at the earliest.”

Wilson would not be drawn on the identity of who will deputise for Latvala but admitted it won’t be an easy decision with several candidates seemingly under consideration.

“Finding a replacement won’t be an issue [in terms of driver availability] but you have to remember a driver of Jari’s ability is very hard to replace,” said Wilson.

Philips Rally Argentina is round five of the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia. The all-gravel event takes place from 27-29 April.