When Jari-Matti Latvala accepted the high-pressure job of leading Toyota Gazoo Racing’s World Rally Championship team, many feared he would hang up his helmet for good. But the rally icon, with 18 World Rally wins under his belt, isn’t ready to retire just yet. Instead, Latvala is about to reignite his racing passion in a way no one expected.
In a move that stunned the motorsport world, Latvala will ditch his office at Toyota’s Jyväskylä headquarters this week to tear through the stages of the Finnish Rally Championship. And he’s not coming just to make up the numbers; Latvala is gunning for his eighth win at Lahti, and he’s bringing his trusty Toyota Celica GT-4 (ST165) out of retirement to do it.
The rally maestro’s return to the driver’s seat is more than just a nostalgia trip. “I’ve got the ST185 ready to roll,” Latvala says, “but we’re waiting on the European Championship to get its act together and let the ’91 to ’96 cars in. Until then, it’s the 1990 beast for me.”
But what’s a rally without a co-driver? Fans were left in suspense, speculating whether Latvala’s longtime partner-in-crime, Juho Hänninen, would join him. The dynamic duo recently tore up the WRC2 in Finland, with Latvala’s cautious driving and Hänninen’s biting commentary making headlines. But in a twist, Hänninen decided to take a back seat – literally. Enter Janni Hussi, the rising star of co-driving, set to take on the role and bring a fresh perspective to Latvala’s cockpit.
Latvala’s return to the stages isn’t just about winning; it’s about showcasing the sheer joy of rallying. The chemistry between him and Hänninen will be missed, but Hussi’s enthusiasm and drive are set to inject new energy into the rally scene. “Janni’s passion for the sport is infectious,” Latvala says. “She’s bringing new fans into the fold, and it’s thrilling to see more women getting involved.”
As the Finnish Rally Championship kicks off with three electrifying stages on Friday night, all eyes will be on Latvala and Hussi. With rivals like Roope Korhonen and Teemu Asunmaa leading the charge, the competition will be fierce. But if there’s one thing we know about Latvala, it’s that he thrives under pressure. Get ready for a showdown that will go down in rally history.
Photo from Jari-Matti Latvala Instagram
