Jari-Matti Latvala says securing Toyota’s first win in the World Rally Championship since 1999 at Rally Sweden came as a surprise, as he expected rival Ott Tänak to take victory.
Latvala, who moved across from Volkswagen after the manufacturer's exit, compared the triumph to his maiden victory in the WRC, which he scored in Sweden back in 2008 while competing with Ford.
The Finnish driver was under intense pressure from M-Sport's Tänak when he moved into the lead after Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville broke his steering on Saturday’s super special stage.
He expected Tänak to beat him to the win but Latvala increased his advantage during Sunday’s final stages to score victory in only the second rally since Toyota's return to the WRC.
"It’s an absolutely amazing feeling," he said. "This victory feels like when I got my first victory back in 2008 in this rally.
"That year the victory came as a great surprise, it also came today [Sunday] as a surprise because after yesterday’s performance I was quite sure Ott Tänak was going to win this rally.
"But the stages today were suiting my driving style and the car and I could drive on a different level."
Latvala, who now leads the WRC championship, admitted his performance fell towards the end of 2016, but joining Toyota has lifted his spirits: "I dropped my performance second half of last season and I can honestly say I lost some confidence.
"So, when I got a chance to drive the Toyota and also start something from scratch it was a big motivation boost.
"There is a great spirit in the team and that has been lifting me back to the level where I used to be."
