Jari-Matti Latvala is chasing a confidence-boosting third straight win on this week’s Rally GB.
The Finn admitted he had been disappointed with his pace on recent gravel rallies and was looking forward to putting that right through the British woods on the final round of the series.
He believes victory over his Volkswagen team-mate and world champion Sebastien Ogier would provide a timely boost to his self-confidence.
Latvala – who has more experience of Rally GB than any other WRC round – told AUTOSPORT: “This is like my second home rally. I always enjoy driving here and it’s one of those events where I really want the fight.
“Normally, I have always been going well on the fast gravel, but I have been struggling a little bit this year in places like Finland and Australia and I would like to get back to that – starting this week.
“It would be a good boost for the self-confidence to [win in] Wales.”
Latvala won the last two Rally GBs for Ford, with a particularly dominant display last year (pictured celebrating above) when the Fiesta RS WRC led from start to finish.
Success for him this year would mean a second victory of the season compared with eight wins for his team-mate Ogier.
The Finn believes he revels in the muddy conditions but paid little attention to the form of Ogier, who has never finished the rally in the top 10.
“This season we have seen that Ogier is capable of going fast in all conditions,” added Latvala. “He is the driver who wants to win every rally and this will not be any different.”
“He will be fast – we should make no mistake about this. But Rally GB is one of those events like Acropolis, where you need experience.
“It depends on the conditions, but usually it is wet and there is mud around and that’s when the experience really helps. You definitely need more experience here than somewhere like Australia.
“When it’s slippery and very muddy it’s difficult to enjoy driving, but it suits my style and when you are comfortable with the mud and not afraid of the conditions then it’s OK to drive.
“If you are afraid and all the time thinking about the car sliding then it’s very difficult. You have to have respect for the conditions.”
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