The latest auto news, reviews, prices, product and vehicle releases. Aug
3rd
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
From press release
Finland had a reason to celebrate, this Sunday, as local hero Jari-Matti Latvala beat his Volkswagen teammate Sébastian Ogier.
Latvala dominated most of the four-day Rally Finland but a brake problem yesterday evening threw his win into doubt. However, he held off a determined charge from Volkswagen team-mate Sébastien Ogier to win by 3.6sec.
Latvala, aware of the fact that no Finn had won here in four years, said he was motivated to fend off Ogier by the support from his fans. He was embraced by father Jari after finishing the final Ruuhimäki special stage.
“It was so hard to take this victory,” he said. “I had a fantastic feeling with the driving but when I had the brake problem yesterday I was in a difficult position. I was so close to losing the victory but I fought back. I was nervous today but managed to hold it together."
Latvala won 13 of the opening 19 stages to build a 31sec lead over the first three days but broke the front right brake caliper on his Polo R when he hit a large hole.
Ogier, who had earlier conceded victory, seized his chance and slashed the margin to under four seconds.
But with the Finn's car restored to health today, Ogier had to settle for second. The Frenchman gained maximum bonus points by winning the live TV Power Stage and heads Latvala by 44 points in the title battle with five rounds remaining.
Finland had a reason to celebrate, this Sunday, as local hero Jari-Matti Latvala beat his Volkswagen teammate Sébastian Ogier.
Latvala dominated most of the four-day Rally Finland but a brake problem yesterday evening threw his win into doubt. However, he held off a determined charge from Volkswagen team-mate Sébastien Ogier to win by 3.6sec.
 |
| Jari-Matti Latvala, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: WRi2) |
Latvala, aware of the fact that no Finn had won here in four years, said he was motivated to fend off Ogier by the support from his fans. He was embraced by father Jari after finishing the final Ruuhimäki special stage.
 |
| Mikko Hirvonen, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: WRi2) |
“It was so hard to take this victory,” he said. “I had a fantastic feeling with the driving but when I had the brake problem yesterday I was in a difficult position. I was so close to losing the victory but I fought back. I was nervous today but managed to hold it together."
 |
| Elfyn Evan, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: WRi2) |
Latvala won 13 of the opening 19 stages to build a 31sec lead over the first three days but broke the front right brake caliper on his Polo R when he hit a large hole.
Ogier, who had earlier conceded victory, seized his chance and slashed the margin to under four seconds.
 |
| Juho Jannien, Hyundai i20 WRC (Photo: WRi2) |
But with the Finn's car restored to health today, Ogier had to settle for second. The Frenchman gained maximum bonus points by winning the live TV Power Stage and heads Latvala by 44 points in the title battle with five rounds remaining.
 |
| Mads Ostberg, Citroën DS3 WRC (Photo: WRi2) |