What the hell happened in the Jyväskylä World Rally Championship? Latvala sees an exceptional factor behind the suspensions of Rovanperä and Lapland

The Jyväskylä World Rally Championship saw an incredible day, when four Rally1 cars and three winning favorites were left on the side of the road.

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JYVÄSKYLÄ.

The Jyväskylä World Rally Championship saw a truly exceptional day when four Rally1 cars were left on the side of the road on Friday. In the morning, those from M-Sport experienced a harsh fate Pierre-Louis Loubet and Ott Tänak. Then went from Hyundai Esapekka Lappi and from Toyota still Kalle Rovanperä.

Only five Rally1 cars made it to the Jyväskylä service park until Friday’s finish. On Friday, three winning candidates went to the slopes: Rovanperä, Tänak and Lappi. The same trio was on the podium in last year’s Jyväskylä World Rally Championship, when Tänak won before Rovanperä and Lapp.

Toyota team manager Jari-Matti Latvala however, was one of those who got through the day. Latvala drives fifth. He gave a straight answer as to why so many cars were sidelined.

– Road. There hasn’t been weather like this in Jyväskylä for a long time. I remember that the last time this much water came in Jyväskylä was in 2006, Latvala commented to Urheilu as the rain sprinkled in the service park.

Latvala saw the cause of the difficulties in the fact that almost the entire morning run was still in reasonable conditions. Then it started to rain during the Halttula special test, when Lappi hit a tree.

– There were slippery places. For example, Esapekka and Loubet got out of slippery places. We are not used to such places because we have not had this kind of weather. There’s water coming. Parties change. It hasn’t been such a traditional weather in Jyväskylä. Normally, the holding line has been clear. Has been able to attack, Latvala described.

“Principal” Latvala also reminded of the realities when it came up in front of the media that the biggest favorite to win Rovanperä went to the roof.

– He hadn’t made a single mistake earlier this season. No one is going to drive in the World Series with a flawless season. Everyone makes a mistake sometimes. Now, unfortunately, it came in Jyväskylä, Latvala said.

They are the best Finnish driver duo Teemu Suninen and his map reader Mikko Markkula. Markkula, an experienced map reader, offered a familiar explanation to many when he was asked the reason for the considerable loss right on the actual opening day.

– I guess the slippery weather has surprised the motorists, Markkula told Urheilu.

– The groups’ outdoor spots have been more slippery than the bends in general.

Suninen and Markkula also had a program on Friday, when they would walk around the side of the bench. Markkula admitted that their journey could have ended. However, the journey continued.

Suninen and Markkula are 12.4 seconds away from the podium place and the third driver Takamoto from Katsuta.

Suninen and Markkula are now driving their second race with Rally1 cars. In Estonia, they finished fifth.

– It has gone well. According to plans. The ranking is better. The difference to the top is also smaller and was smaller even when everyone was involved, Markkula described.

So what does the weekend look like? Has a podium place been on your mind?

– Let’s see what the bosses say. How much should the speed be increased? I can say that so far it’s pretty safe, says Markkula.