Latvala Wins Lahti Historic Rally on MK2 Ford Escort

Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala managed to keep his winning streak alive during the course of last weekend, although his triumph was not a WRC-sanctioned one. The BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team driver was allowed to make a close-to-his-heart outing in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, where he submitted an entry to the Lahti Historic Rally.

The Finnish event, making for the 5th round of the EHR championship, was ran throughout 12 exciting stages during the course of last Friday and Saturday. Latvala drove his Mk 2 Ford Escort RS1800 to first place overall, despite encountering some mechanical problems during the 135 km of the event.

The Finnish ace, the biggest name taking part at the event, was co-driven by former colleague Asko Sairanen in the Lahti based rally. The pair managed to bring their car home more than one minute ahead of their nearest rival, while reckoning the competition was much more fun than the usual WRC action.

“I lost second and third gears on the opening stage but because Finnish roads are so fast I was able to use first for the junctions and fourth and fifth everywhere else – so I didn’t lose so much time. It was great fun, and completely different to the pressures of competing in the WRC. Hopefully I will be able to drive some more rallies in the car,” said Latvala, according to the WRC official site.

Latvala will return to WRC action in less than two weeks from now, as the Finnish driver will attempt to score a second consecutive win in the championship during Rally Greece. The Finnish driver's best performance at the Acropolis rally is a 7th place last year, something that he'll certainly try to improve in 2009.