Jari-Matti Latvala guided Toyota’s new GR Corolla Rally RC2 to its first American Rally Association National Championship win at the Olympus Rally.

The 18-time World Rally Championship event winner headed a Toyota 1-2 after emerging from a 98-car field at the Washington-based event, which previously hosted the WRC from 1985-1988.

After being beaten on the opening stage by four-time American champion Brandon Semenuk, Latvala hit the front from stage two. Semenuk’s challenge was short-lived as a rear differential issue on his Ford Fiesta Rally2 ended his victory hopes.

Latvala went on to win the following 15 stages, held across three days, to clinch his first win on American soil, and his first in a modern rally car for three years. The Finn took the win by seven minutes from Toyota team-mate Seth Quintero. The final place on the podium was filled by Lia Block, the daughter of the late Ken Block, after guiding her Hyundai i20 N Rally to a well-deserved third, 2m50.2s adrift of Quintero.

“The final day went well. We had no issues, and we completed eight stages, so it was quite a long day,” said Latvala.

“With nearly 300 stage kilometres in total, it was comparable to a WRC rally. It’s been great to see such a long event.

“It’s been enjoyable to drive here. The atmosphere has been surprisingly relaxed, and the stages are fantastic There are very good roads here. Of course, there are still things that can be improved on the organisational side.”

Toyota's GR Corolla is longer than the GR Yaris raced in WRC

Latvala secured the victory by winning the Mason Lake stage, a test that had previously been conquered by Juha Kankkunen, driving a Group B Peugeot 205 T16 in 1986.

“On our first pass, we were 17 seconds faster compared to the Group B time,” Latvala added.

“These cars have clearly evolved. Back then there was more power, but it couldn’t be used effectively due to the suspension. Tyres have also improved significantly."

Latvala, who has been involved in the development and testing of the Toyota GR Corolla, admitted there are still areas for improvement in the car.

“The Corolla has a longer wheelbase, which makes it very stable and enjoyable on fast sections,” he explained.

“The body is heavier than the Yaris and the longer wheelbase means that in slower, tighter corners it tends to understeer slightly. That’s an area we need to improve.

“If we could make the car a little lighter, that would also be beneficial.”

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