Jari-Matti Latvala has put behind him stories about his personal life and says he’s more focused than ever on delivering a strong performance at next week’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Rally de España (24 - 27 October).

Latvala issued a statement last week outlining his intention to cancel his forthcoming marriage to Finnish reality television star Maisa Torppa.

The couple’s relationship has been under the spotlight in Finland recently, and Latvala said it was regrettable that the recent events regarding his private life had affected his family, friends and team.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver said his full focus now was on the last two rallies of the season.

“We have a championship to defend with Toyota and the chance to help Ott (Tanak) take his first title.

“You know that rallying is everything to me in my life and I can’t have any distractions. The newspaper stories (concerning his relationship) in Finland have been all the time. I spent two days on the phone sorting this out. It was so stressful.”

Away from his private life, there’s further speculation about Latvala’s future with Toyota.

Team principal Tommi Makinen recently admitted he wanted to find a way of retaining his countryman.

Latvala said: “I’m 34 now and I still think I have a good couple of years left competing at the highest level and I want to make this happen. I tested for Spain last week and I felt good confidence in the car again. I led there last year and it’s an event I like.”

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