It is reported that the Finnish rally driver manager, Timo Juohki, gave a rare and revealing interview to the Estonian agency www.delfi.ee about his legendary rally driver management work.
His comments included the prediction that Kalle Rovanpera would be in a WRC works team by the age of 20.
Although noted for his work with fellow Finns, he has no qualms about working with foreign drivers.
He had spotted Ott Tanak’s future back in Pirelli Star Driver days and regrets he lost the chance of working with Thierry Neuville, the opportunity having arisen when he was already busy with Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala.
He considers that Latvala’s championship chances are let down by his mental side as he puts too much pressure on himself.
Hirvonen lost his chance of becoming Word Champion because Malcolm Wilson, unlike his counterparts at Citroen, did not give orders to Latvala in Sardinia to favour Hirvonen.
Jouhki takes 50% of his drivers’ professional earnings if and when they start work in a factory team. If they do not progress that far in their career, all his earlier investment will be wasted.
"Talented drivers are everywhere - France, Spain, Britain - but it is another thing how to develop them. I choose with whom I work,” he said.
That clears up any misunderstanding!
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