Q&A with Jari-Matti Latvala (part 2)

In the second of two exclusive question and answer sessions with Ford’s injured star Jari-Matti Latvala, the Finn spoke to WRC.com about missing Philips Rally Argentina and his replacement Dani Sordo’s prospects of success on the event.

Based on your pace so far this season you’d have been one of the favourites to win in Argentina. How much harder does that make missing the event?

“To be honest I have had a difficult start to the season. Okay I have won one rally and I have been leading the others so there are many positives but I have to accept this year has been difficult and my chances of the title are not very good now. But it’s better to have all your troubles in a row.”

Will you follow Rally Argentina next week or will you try to forget it’s happening?

“I will follow it very carefully. I will get the stage times to my phone after every stage. Of course I want to drive and I feel bad that I am not because rallying is my passion.”

What do you think of your replacement for Argentina, Dani Sordo? Was he the right choice and what can he do in your car?

“Dani has been driving very well in Argentina before and showed good speed in Portugal. We know he is very quick and I believe the Ford is a very strong car and the team is very strong also. Dani has all the possibilities to be on the podium.”

And what about Petter Solberg, your team-mate. What can he do on this event?

“He will be fighting for the victory, no question. He won’t dominate because nowadays it is very difficult to do that because it is so close. There will be a big fight and you never know about the weather conditions. The length of the new stages will also make the rally very difficult.”

How frustrating is it to miss out on those new stages?

“It would have been very important to see those stages but I am sure I will get some information from my team.”

Your team boss Malcolm Wilson says you are still capable of winning the world title this season. How good does that make you feel?

“It feels really, really good to hear that and to know the team is still behind me. It’s always good to have this kind of self-confidence but I don’t want to think about the title. I want to go rally by rally now, do the best I can and see where we are at the end of the season.”