Toyota’s GR Corolla Rally RC2 has stormed into the spotlight, clinching a groundbreaking victory at the Olympus Rally! Under the masterful guidance of rally legend Jari-Matti Latvala, the iconic brand achieved its inaugural triumph in the American Rally Association National Championship, showcasing dominance in a fiercely competitive 98-car field on the challenging terrains of Washington.
Latvala, an 18-time World Rally Championship winner, began his journey with a slight setback, finishing second to four-time American champion Brandon Semenuk in the opening stage. However, the tide quickly turned in Latvala's favor as he seized the lead from stage two onward, leaving Semenuk's hopes in tatters due to a rear differential failure in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Once in control, Latvala unleashed an unparalleled performance, conquering all 15 subsequent stages across the grueling three-day event. His victory margin? A staggering seven minutes over his Toyota teammate Seth Quintero.
The podium was further illuminated by the remarkable Lia Block, daughter of the legendary Ken Block, who secured a commendable third place, piloting her Hyundai i20 N Rally just 2 minutes and 50.2 seconds behind Quintero. “The final day went well. We had no issues, and we completed eight stages, so it was quite a long day,” reflected Latvala, reveling in the event's extensive 300 stage kilometers, which rivaled the intensity of a World Rally Championship event. “It’s been enjoyable to drive here. The atmosphere has been surprisingly relaxed, and the stages are fantastic. There are very good roads here, although there are still areas for improvement in terms of organization.”
Latvala’s triumph was punctuated by a stellar performance in the Mason Lake stage, a historic test previously conquered by rally great Juha Kankkunen with a Group B Peugeot 205 T16 in 1986. “On our first pass, we were 17 seconds faster compared to the Group B time,” Latvala proudly noted. “These cars have clearly evolved. Back then there was more power, but it couldn’t be used effectively due to the suspension. Tyres have also improved significantly.”
While celebrating his victory, Latvala, who played an integral role in the development and testing of the Toyota GR Corolla, acknowledged that the vehicle still has room to grow. “The Corolla has a longer wheelbase, which makes it very stable and enjoyable on fast sections,” he explained. “However, the heavier body compared to the Yaris tends to cause slight understeering in tighter corners. That’s an area we need to improve. If we could make the car a little lighter, that would also be beneficial.”
With this thrilling victory, Latvala and Toyota have not only etched their names into the annals of rally history but have also set the stage for future battles on the rugged American terrain. Fans and competitors alike will be eagerly anticipating what this dynamic duo has in store for the upcoming season!