Jari-Matti Latvala will switch duties, putting aside the administrative roles at Team Toyota for driving duty during the ninth round of the world rally championship; Rally Finland next month.
The Toyota Gazoo racing team principal last sat in the WRC car in 2020 during Rally Sweden. He would be appointed the Team Principal the following year.
The 38-year-old shared the news of his participation in his home rally on the Toyota Gazoo racing social media platforms.
“I have some big news to share,” said the Finnish driver.
“I have received, courtesy of our chairman Akio Toyoda, a very special opportunity. I will be competing in Rally Finland by myself driving a TGR Yaris rally1 hybrid.
“It is a huge honor and I must say thank you the ‘Morizo’ (Toyoda). I know he is a huge fan and he will be following the team and my performance closely,” he added.
Latvala is one of the most experienced rally drivers with 209 rally starts to his name. He has been behind the wheels of several generation WRC cars. The rally1 hybrid cars will be a first.
“My target is to have a smile after every stage, and if we are somewhere between the top five and top 10, I will be really happy,” said Latvala.
