Volkswagen WRC Withdrawal a Shock to Latvala

Jari-Matti LAtvala says that Volkswagen’s decision to withdraw from the WRC came as a total shock to him.

“Last week’s news was far from pleasant,” Latvala told crash.net. “I can only repeat that I will always remember the time at Volkswagen Motorsport. The many great moments mean a lot to me, and I would like to thank everyone in the team.”

Despite that, the Finnish rally driver says that he wants to finish the season on a high to say goodbye.

“I am really determined to do well in my last rally with Volkswagen, and will push hard to try to challenge for the win,” he says. “My season has not been easy, so a good result in Australia would be doubly nice – particularly as a farewell present to the team.”

The WRC season ends this weekend in Australia, and following that, Volkswagen Motorsport will stop competing in top level rallying. The move came amidst a number of cost cutting efforts at the brand, which is still recovering from the TDI scandal.

After it leaves, its three drivers and their three co-drivers will all be without a car in the WRC. Fortunately, the drivers are desirable.

Sebastien Ogier won the last four WRC drivers’ Championships and is widely considered the best rally driver in the world. Young gun Andreas Mikkeslen on the other hand is currently fighting for second place overall this season.

Latvala, meanwhile, had a rough season full of ups and downs and is sixth place, but finished in second place last season and the season before.

[source: crash.net]

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