Latvala crowned slotcar king

Jari-Matti Latvala proved he is as speedy at the controls of a slotcar as he is on the WRC’s special stages in Spain on Thursday afternoon.

The Flying Finn became WRC slotcar superstar after winning a special four-driver challenge against Ott Tänak, Andreas Mikkelsen and Stéphane Lefebvre.

The quartet ramped up their competitive instincts following shakedown for this weekend’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Rally de España by piloting mini-versions of their respective cars.

Despite a few mid-race spills, Latvala defeated Andreas Mikkelsen in his semi-final while Estonian Tänak saw off Stéphane Lefebvre. Latvala then scooped the trophy when Tänak’s spectacular barrel roll cost him dear.

The fun and games marked the announcement that Spanish company Fabrica de Juguetes has agreed a multiple year licensing deal with WRC to build slot car sets.

The company has launched four different options, each featuring Ford Fiesta and Citroën C3 World Rally Cars.