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From the Brink to the Rally Revival: Jari-Matti Latvala’s Journey Back to Racing Passion

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
December 22, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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From the Brink to the Rally Revival: Jari-Matti Latvala’s Journey Back to Racing Passion

Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) seen performing during the World Rally Championship Finland in Jyvasküla, Finland on 1,August. 2024 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202408011503 // Usage for editorial use only //

Jari-Matti Latvala’s career seemed to end on a dusty Sardinian hairpin in 2019, but the Finnish rally icon’s story was far from over. What looked like a tragic close to a storied chapter has become the launchpad for a new beginning. With renewed passion, a legendary Toyota Celica ST185, and the spark that once defined his career, Latvala is back—ready to conquer the European Historic Championship and rewrite his legacy.


The Sardinian Spiral: When It All Fell Apart

The first cracks appeared in Sardinia, 2019, during the second loop of Tula at the WRC’s Rally Italia. Latvala, leading the rally, was full of optimism, savoring his chances for a maiden win of the season. But a reckless cut on an innocuous hairpin flipped his Toyota Yaris WRC onto its roof, derailing his rally and, as it turned out, his career trajectory.

“I was there, but I wasn’t,” Latvala recalls of that night. Distracted by personal and financial pressures, he made rookie mistakes that belied his years of experience. “I wasn’t nervous anymore, and that was actually a bad sign. When you lose the nervousness, you lose the passion for competition.”


2019: The Season of Slipping Away

Latvala’s struggles continued at Rally GB, where another uncharacteristic error—this time a wild leap over a crest—left his car buried in trees. It became painfully clear that his mind was elsewhere, burdened by personal challenges and taxation issues.

At 34, Latvala also felt the weight of a rising star in his rearview mirror: Kalle Rovanperä, Finland’s next prodigy, whose ascent only magnified Latvala’s internal battles.

“If I had managed the situation better,” Latvala reflects, “maybe I would still be driving. But I would have never been world champion without stepping away to understand my mistakes.”


From Driver to Leader: The Team Principal Years

After closing the door on his WRC driving career, Latvala transitioned into a new role as Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal. Under his leadership, Toyota secured four consecutive manufacturers’ titles, cementing his legacy as a rally strategist. Yet, the itch to drive never truly went away.

“I’ve learned so much from seeing drivers up close. I see now the mistakes I made. Without stepping away, I’d never have understood.”


The Revival: Finding Joy Behind the Wheel Again

Latvala’s return to competitive driving has been a slow burn, reignited by nostalgia and a rekindled love for the sport. After participating in historic rallies with his beloved Toyota Celica ST185, the joy began to flow back.

“Rally Finland 2023 was the turning point,” Latvala says. “For the first time, I felt like my old self again. By 2024, the passion was fully back.”

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Changes in European Historic Championship regulations opened the door for newer cars, including Latvala’s iconic Celica from 1993—a car tied to his childhood hero, Juha Kankkunen.

“This has been my dream, to compete in that car. Now it’s going to happen,” he said, brimming with excitement.


A New Chapter for a Rally Icon

Latvala’s comeback isn’t about proving himself in the WRC anymore; it’s about rediscovering the thrill of the chase. The European Historic Championship offers a stage to blend his wisdom, skill, and nostalgia, showcasing a version of Latvala unburdened by external pressures.

“I’ve found my passion again,” he says with clarity. “Now, it’s time to enjoy driving.”

As Latvala prepares to embark on this new journey, the rally world—Europe and beyond—waits with eager anticipation. The man who once drove in the shadows of his struggles is ready to race back into the light.

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