Jari-Matti Latvala returns to the WRC2 class at this year's Rally Finland in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
Photography by Toyota
Words by Luke Barry
Happy Birthday Jari-Matti Latvala!
OK his actual birthday was 13 weeks ago, but in four weeks’ time he gets to unwrap his present: a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to drive at Secto Rally Finland.
For the second year in succession, Toyota’s team principal will battle against the very best of WRC2 on his home round of the World Rally Championship.
Only this time it’s far more special, as Latvala celebrates his 40th birthday with his 20th Rally Finland start! You don’t have to be a genius to do the math on how prominent a Rally Finland entry has been in his life.
“I’m really excited to make my 20th Rally Finland start, driving the GR Yaris Rally2 together with Janni Hussi,” Latvala said.
“It’s Finnish rally tradition to mark a big birthday by entering our home event, so thank you Akio Toyoda for allowing me to realize this special achievement in the year I turned 40.
Latvala's 2025 entry means he'll have done Rally Finland for 50% of his entire life!
“It’s also a chance for me to stay sharp at the wheel of a modern rally car as I provide my feedback into the development of this and other cars for TGR-WRT.”
Latvala finished an incredible second in class last year behind winner Oliver Solberg. This year, he’ll run with #40 to commemorate his birthday – facing competition from Solberg once again, as well as Yohan Rossel and a whole host of others including Emil Lindholm, Lauri Joona and Mikko Heikkilä.
In the Rally1 field, Sébastien Ogier’s previously announced entry is the big news as he comprises a five-strong Toyota lineup alongside the usual suspects Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari.
Hyundai fields Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak and Adrien Fourmaux while Grégoire Munster, Josh McErlean and Mãrtiņš Sesks drive a trio of M-Sport Ford Pumas.
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Jari-Matti Latvala, Rally Finland, Rally Finland 2025, WRC, WRC 2025, WRC2
Publish Date July 4, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/07/67qoLmcs-Latvala09FIN24cm379-2-780x520.jpg July 4, 2025
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