[WRC] Neste Rally Finland 26 - 29 July 2018

[AnttiL]

I think it's still better for Latvala to secure a podium than crash trying to win. The team needs an experienced points scorer, could he step back into that role?

[Allez Andruet]

I think it's still better for Latvala to secure a podium than crash trying to win. The team needs an experienced points scorer, could he step back into that role?

From the team's perspective, yes. But for Latvala himself, I still think that in a somewhat twisted way it would be better to crash when fighting for the victory than to drive "safely" to 3rd place (if it makes sense to compare these two extremes).

My gut feeling is that JML wouldn't be happy in that experienced points scorer role. But if that's the only way he can remain in the WRC, who knows...

[AnttiL]

He could also win Finland. Last year he was clearly fastest after getting a better start position on Saturday. He didn’t even have big moments like in 2016. And now his start position is good already on Friday.

[Allez Andruet]

He could also win Finland. Last year he was clearly fastest after getting a better start position on Saturday. He didn’t even have big moments like in 2016. And now his start position is good already on Friday.

Absolutely. Saturday was a no-contest last year. No-one, not even Lappi, had a chance against him. If JML can find a way to return to that form, the rally could well be over after Friday.

[AnttiL]

But. If he crashes, from lead or not, he’s no better than he was in Portugal or Corsica.

[Rallyper]

As said, it all comes out how things happen.

If he is in front and the car let him down -bad, but nothing to do about it. Like last year. (I was at that spot the engine stopped - )

Out paced in a tenth of a second battle and still a podium will not harm him.

Worse if he is 5-8, I can agree. But that will not happen without natural reasons as punctures etz..

[Allez Andruet]

As said, it all comes out how things happen.

Agreed.

[AnttiL]

BTW the stages Moksi, Kakaristo and Tuohikotanen feature roads that have been used for Toyota's tests last year, so they have advantage on them. And Tänak was testing on the small road at the third fourth of Kakaristo last year.

[AnttiL]

Press releases
Toyota https://toyotagazooracing.com/releas...8-preview.html
Hyundai https://motorsport.hyundai.com/fight-to-the-finish/
Citroen https://media.citroenracing.com/en/temple-speed

[AnttiL]

And finally M-Sport as well: http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-new...nland-take-off

Only Ogier will have new aero on the car