Latvala leads TGR-WRT 1-2 on Olympus Rally debut

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) claimed its first American Rally Association (ARA) victory with a 1-2 finish on Olympus Rally (April 17–19), where Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Tuukka Shemeikka led home teammates Seth Quintero and co-driver Topi Luhtinen in a major step forward for the GR Corolla Rally RC2 program.

Competing in his first North American rally, Latvala delivered a commanding performance behind the wheel of the GR Corolla Rally RC2 that he helped develop. After moving into the lead on the second stage, he controlled the rally throughout, winning all but one stage across the three-day event, including the rally-ending Power Stage, to secure a dominant victory.

Quintero’s second ARA event marked a clear step forward, with the American driver showing strong pace from the outset and running consistently near the front of the field. He spent much of the rally in contention for podium positions before securing second place in the closing stages to take his first ARA podium. His performance culminated on the Power Stage, where he finished just 2.6 seconds behind Latvala, underlining his growing confidence in stage rally.

In addition to securing its first ARA victory, the 1-2 result on the demanding roads of Olympus highlights a strong step forward in the development of the GR Corolla Rally RC2. Covering more than 200 competitive miles, nearly double the distance of a typical ARA event, the rally provided a significant test for both car and crew. Competing in only its second event, the GR Corolla Rally RC2 delivered a flawless performance under some of the toughest conditions in the championship, with both entries running without any issues throughout the three-day rally.

Quotes:
Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal, Driver, car No. 957)
“These are fantastic roads, really, really nice roads. I’m really glad to experience something new that I haven’t done before. To win here is something special, especially knowing the history of Olympus Rally and its connection with Finnish drivers. Forty years ago Markku Alén won this event, and to now be part of that history with Toyota makes it a very proud moment for me.”

Seth Quintero (Driver, car No. 103)
“First podium in ARA, and I haven’t popped a champagne bottle in a while, so that was pretty cool. It’s awesome to get a result back at home and have some fun with the team, the guys crushed it all week. It’s definitely different with the pace notes and the shorter stages compared to what I’m used to, but I think we’re learning quickly. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s coming next, it’s going to be fun.”

What’s next?
The ARA National Championship continues with the Southern Ohio Forest Rally (June 11–13), where TGR-WRT returns with the GR Corolla Rally RC2 as the North American program continues its 2026 campaign.

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