Wilson expects rain to aid Latvala in Finland

31st July 2010

By Giles Wade

Malcolm Wilson hopes overnight rain will help Jari-Matti Latvala claim his maiden Rally Finland victory.

Although the rain is forecast to stop by 0800hrs local time, Wilson believes it will be enough to eradicate the disadvantage of running first on the road.

“His chances are very good and the rain has helped a little bit, there’s no question,” said Wilson. “It will dampen down the road and give that extra bit of grip for the first 60 kilometres or so. Hopefully that will give him enough time to pull out a lead and have enough in the bag for the afternoon.”

Before leaving first service in Jyvaskyla this morning, Latvala was ushered into a private meeting with Wilson.

“I just wanted to see how he was feeling to make sure he was relaxed and enjoying his driving, which is so important,” said Wilson. “He’s had a good night’s sleep and is a really good place.”