Q:
What was it like waiting at the end of the stage waiting to see if you had sealed the win?
Jarmo Lehtinen:
The splits helped. We knew already. We saw Seb's splits going down and we knew he must be losing his tyres as well. When we crossed the finish line I was 100 per cent sure we had done it, but of course you still need the times to be sure.
Q:
How do you feel about the second half of the year?
JL:
The next gravel rallies are better for us. These Mediterranean rallies are tough for us, we knew we had to survive these. But we are happy to be leading. Okay we know tarmac is coming, but there are events which are good for us.
Q:
Another strong performance from you here which puts you into third position in the Drivers' standings; what a fight on the final stage…
Jari-Matti Latvala:
I am very pleased with the result. Today was a fight I have never been in before. It was unbelievable to see the split times when Sébastien was eight seconds ahead. Incredible. The first 15 kilometres, I was slow. After that, I start to push. It was very exciting. I gave all I was able to do. Mikko was faster. I am very happy.
Q:
It's great for the Championship to have a finish like this, don't you think?
J-ML:
For the television and spectators and for even the drivers, it's very exciting to have a last long stage like that. I don't remember when it was such a good fight for the top three drivers.
Q:
How do you feel about the second half of the year?
J-ML:
I'm really looking forward to rallies like Finland, New Zealand and GB those are the ones to push hard on for me, and maybe Japan: it's a new one. Also the tarmac, I need to improve my driving there. I'm really waiting for the second half.
Q:
Looking back over your performance in the first half of the season, have you been pleased with what you have achieved?
