Latvala dedicates Corsica win to Henri Toivonen

Volkswagen's Jari-Matti Latvala has dedicated his victory on Tour de Corse - Rallye de France to his idol Henri Toivonen.

Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto were killed on the Tour de Corse back in 1986, 29 years ago, when they crashed while leading in their Lancia Delta S4.

"I am struggling to put it all into words. It is a fantastic feeling to win here on Corsica," said Latvala after triumphing by 43.1 seconds, his second win in succession in France, as he also took the victory last year in Alsace.

"The conditions were not easy again today, as we were constantly switching between dry and damp sections. And my lead over Elfyn Evans was not exactly what you would call comfortable.

"Despite this, I wanted to avoid taking too many risks, to extend my lead in a controlled and cool manner, and to wrap up the win. I did exactly that.

"I would like to dedicate my victory to my idol Henri Toivonen. That is another reason why today is such a special day for me."

Meanwhile, Volkswagen boss Jost Capito said he was impressed with Latvala's performance, en-route to his 15th career win and his eighth with the Polo R WRC.

"What a nerve-wracking event - storms and some of the most difficult conditions for years. We are proud of this win. Jari-Matti Latvala and [co-driver] Miikka Anttila drove a tactically intelligent rally, holding back in the extreme weather and then attacking when and where they had to. They were worthy winners - I take my hat off to them," Capito concluded.