Latvala out for asphalt (no reason given!)

[zac510]

Mid-season, Latvala 'standing down' from asphalt events to be replaced by Duval..

Link here: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69935

No reason given apart from wanting 'strong results'.

I don't understand this. I didn't watch the rally last weekend but was Latvala that bad?

[BertMk2]

Interesting. Duval is certainly more of an asphalt secialist and as seen last wekend he can run near the front on asphalt (and maybe give Hirvonen a problem too!) so that would strengthen Fords hand in the manufacturers championship. Latavala seems to be one of those drivers that is either blindingly quick or upside down in the hedge - I guess at this stage of the season Ford are looking for a safe pair of hands to put points in the bag (although Duval has his moments too).

Latavala will be back for gravel events and he's a much better option thatn Duval there - I think's a case of Ford considering the manufacturers championship and shuffling their pack in order to maximise their potetial points haul at each event.

[PhergAthor]

Latvala is not out for asphalt. They are all switching seats, that's all.
Gigi is out with a broken leg so Duval takes his seat and abandons his private efforts for the few rallys he had planned. But for the asphalt rallys Duval and Latvala switch between Stobart and Ford Works.

[zac510]

It doesn't seem like a very strong sign of confidence to the young fellow though.

[Armchair Enthusiast]

I must admit, if my Manager told me "we are going to move your desk as we have discovered your phone rings before everyone else's and we have hired this new guy who is better then you on the phone" I would be pretty ****ed off.