Latvala Faces Key Toyota Talks as Racing Passion Burns Bright

Jari-Matti Latvala may still officially be Toyota's team principal in the WRC, but his role has become increasingly hands-off in recent seasons. The Finn has been spending more time behind the wheel, while Juha Kankkunen has stepped up as deputy team principal.

This season, Latvala has led the team at just three WRC rounds: Monte Carlo, Sweden, and Japan. At the remaining events, Kankkunen has been in charge. Latvala has also been competing in the European Historic Rally Championship, and just over a week ago, he took victory in the Rally2 category at Rally Finland.

Even while racing himself, Latvala has effectively served as an ambassador for Toyota's rally squad. But his actions reveal a simple truth: he still wants to live and breathe rallying in a race suit.

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"I still have such a strong passion for driving that I don't want to stop yet. Even though I've mainly been driving the Celica in historic rallies, I still have that feeling that I want to keep competing," Latvala told RallyJournal.

"I still have a few years before my reactions start to slow down. In a way, I'd like to make the most of those years if it's possible," he added.

Now, Jari-Matti Latvala will begin discussions with his employer, Toyota, and Kankkunen about his future role. "We've started talking a little, but no major decisions have been made yet. My role is spread across quite a few different areas. Maybe Juha and I also need to sit down and discuss things so we can work out the best way forward," Latvala revealed.

"I haven't been able to attend that many WRC rallies, so we need to look at what is the best solution for the team," he said.

The next WRC rounds take place in South America, with Rally Paraguay and Rally Chile. Kankkunen will once again lead Toyota at those events, while Latvala continues his campaign in the European Historic Rally Championship.