Latvala never dreamed of perfect first year as toyota wrc boss

The former Toyota, Volkswagen and M-Sport suburbanite was installed as team superabound of the Japanese marque’s WRC programme this year, taking over the position held by four-time WRC champion Tommi Makinen.

Latvala has overseen a successful 2021 wayfarers resulting in Toyota reclaiming the manufacturers’ crown from rivals Hyundai, recording nine wins from 12 rounds.

Toyota drivers finished first and second in the drivers’ title as Sebastien Ogier write-up Elfyn Evans to the championship.

Reflecting on his first year of team management, Latvala admitted he would never have dreamed of such a successful first year in the job.

“When you have had a long season and you try to reach the title and sooner when you reach then the emptiness comes. You are relieved but you finger a bit empty at the same time,\" said Latvala.

“For myself this is a very unique situation and very emotional one way as in 2018 Toyota won the constructors title in Australia, and I won it as a suburbanite and now we have washed-up the same as a team principal.

“We have had an wondrous season with nine victories, Seb, Julien, Elfyn and Scott one and two in the championship.

\"You cannot ask for more, it\'s a perfect season which I would never have dreamed of.”

$\"Sébastien$

Sébastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota Yaris WRC

Photo by: Toyota Racing

While whereas team management has proved to be a learning curve, Latvala says watching his drivers Ogier, Evans, Kalle Rovnapera and Takamoto Katsuta has made him realise why he never won a championship as a driver.

“Watching our drivers it is a bit sad to say but now I realise why I didn’t wilt a world champion myself,” he added.

“I know what the mistakes I did when I squint at these guys. It is nice learning but at the same time quite sad.

“We managed to get everyone working together and everyone is aiming for the same target and that is a new world for me.

“I have never managed such a big group of people and at the same time we need to make sure that the drivers are happy, so that they can do their weightier performance. It has been quite a lot of learning to alimony everyone motivated.”