FIA World Rally Championship

Latvala Rally Argentina return depends on doctors decision and car

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Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN), Miikka Anttila (FIN) Volkswagen Polo R WRC (2016) WRC Rally Argentina 2016

Jari-Matti Latvala is hoping to return to Rally Argentina for the final day of action but is unsure if he will be able to and that it depends on the state of the car and ultimately if he and co-driver Miikka Anttila get the sign-off from the doctors.

Latvala was in control of Rally Argentina, leading Hayden Paddon comfortably before colliding with a rock, pitching the Volkswagen Polo R in to a violent crash.

“First things first: Miikka and I are well. We will, however, be taken to hospital for a check-up – just to be on the safe side.” confirmed the Finn.

“We were actually having a good day. We had a good rhythm and had not had any problems. We hit a rock on stage 14 and came off the road. We then rolled several times. We obviously could not continue the rally after that.

“Whether or not we are able to return under Rally 2 regulations tomorrow depends on the doctors’ decision and the state of our car. The crash is naturally very disappointing, but it also showed just how safe the Polo R WRC is.”

Volkswagen Motorsport team principal Jost Capito added, “A day of highs and lows for Volkswagen. Jari-Matti Latvala had established a good advantage and deserved to be leading the rally. Unfortunately, he hit a rock on the penultimate stage of the day – that was really unlucky.”

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