Jari-Matti Latvala has admitted that it was 'good tactics' that helped him secure the runners-up spot on the Rally of Turkey last weekend, the eighth round in the World Rally Championship.
Latvala, who had only done the Kemer-based event once before, went into the round keen to try and get a podium and in the end he did that with ease - in part thanks to those 'go slow' measures in the last stage on day one, which ensured he had a good road position for the second leg.
Jari was also a real contender for the victory and kept the pressure on his more experienced
BP Ford Abu Dhabi team-mate
Mikko Hirvonen right to the end, eventually finishing just 7.9 seconds adrift.
"I am very pleased with the result," reflected Latvala. "Today was a fight like I have never been in before. It was unbelievable to see the split times when Sebastien [Loeb] was eight seconds ahead [in that final test] - 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, but Mikko was just faster.
"I came here wanting a top three finish so I'm pleased I was able to fight for victory too. I lacked experience of these roads but that wasn't as big a disadvantage as I thought.
"We played good tactics and it was a big risk, but a good decision. I've learned to keep my driving tidy. I was kind on my tyres for the first half of the final stage and that paid off. This has given a major boost to my confidence."
Latvala now moves up to third in the drivers' championship, 3 points ahead of
Subaru's
Chris Atkinson and 22 points off
Sebastien Loeb.
Furthermore while he is pretty happy with his first eight events with the Ford 'A' team, he knows he has a few areas to improve upon.
