Latvala chooses to run first in Italy

Jari-Matti Latvala will run first on the road for the opening two stages of today’s Rally d’Italia.

Following his fastest time at this morning’s qualifying stage, Ford driver Latvala selected first place on the road.

The crews will tackle two runs at the 28-kilometre (17-mile) Terranova stage this evening, with the second attempt starting at 18:16 and potentially running into the dusk.

Latvala said: “I know I might lose some time on the first run because of the conditions on the road, but I was more concerned about the dark coming on the second time through.

“It was a choice between having the road swept clean with the best grip or not having any dust and getting through the stage with good light.”

Because tonight’s schedule includes more than 10 per cent of the overall competitive mileage, the cars will be reseeded and run in reverse order ahead of tomorrow’s action.

Latvala’s team-mate Petter Solberg selected third on the road, while lead Citroen driver Sebastien Loeb went fifth.

Paulo Nobre will be the last of the priority World Rally Car drivers to start in 11th place. The Brazilian crashed on this morning’s qualifying stage.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/latvala-chooses-to-run-first-in-italy

Yves Giraud Cabantous Ignazio Giunti Timo Glock Helm Glöckler Paco Godia