Injury forces Latvala out of Argentina

Jari-Matti Latvala has been forced to withdraw from Philips Rally Argentina later this month after breaking his left collarbone during a training fall.

Latvala was cross-country skiing in Lapland in the north of his native Finland on Wednesday when he slipped and landed heavily on his left shoulder.

He underwent surgery yesterday to have seven metal screws inserted into his shoulder to enable the healing process to begin.

A spokesperson for the Ford World Rally Team confirmed that Latvala won’t be able to compete in Argentina and that a replacement was currently being finalised.

“Cross-country skiing is part of his regular training programme and he’s a good and accomplished skier,” said a Ford spokesperson. “Unfortunately he suffered a heavy fall and has been withdrawn from Rally Argentina to give himself the best possible opportunity to be fit for the Acropolis Rally at the end of May.”

Ford is due to announce Latvala’s replacement shortly.