Wednesday | 20 Aug 2014

Rallye Deutschland: Fighting Talk Part 2

A second round-up of quotes from the WRC drivers ahead of this week's ADAC Rallye Deutschland (21-24 August)

‘We ought to benefit from 2013 experience’
Andreas Mikkelsen [above] – Volkswagen Motorsport II
“I was not able to take part in the rally last year. As we did complete the recce, however, I was able to gain a good impression of the special stages and the surface. Ola and I ought to benefit from this experience this year. In 2012 I finished sixth in a Škoda, beating several more powerful World Rally Cars in the process, so I am quite confident.”

‘It’s an event I feel confident to drive’
Dani Sordo - Hyundai Motorsport
“I’ve been looking forward to driving the Hyundai i20 WRC on proper tarmac since the beginning of the season. I won the rally last year and it’s an event at which I feel very confident to drive although it can be difficult. I was back behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 WRC after a few months at our pre-event test and it was a nice feeling – I think we are well prepared for the rally and we have a good set-up.”

‘We’re after progression’
 Elfyn Evans - M-Sport World Rally Team
“This is an event that I’ve been looking forward to all season. It’s the first round of the year where we will have some substantial four-wheel-drive experience to carry forward and we drove a really good event here last year. I don’t have a specific result in mind, but we’d like to see some good progression and positive stage times throughout the weekend. It would be nice to improve on last year, and if we can do that, then I think it will be a very positive event for us.”

‘It’s up to me to produce the goods’
Mads Østberg – Citroen Abu Dhabi World Rally Team
“Although we had good pace, I was obviously disappointed with the final outcome at the last two rallies. Rallye Deutschland should give me the chance to put this bad run behind me! With four appearances here under my belt, I’m beginning to feel I’m pretty experienced on the stages. I have a lot of faith in the team. The car has always been quick on this surface. Now it’s up to me to produce the goods.”

'We have to be realistic'
Robert Kubica - RK M-Sport World Rally Team
“Some people have high hopes when it comes to my result, but I think we have to be realistic. The characteristics of these roads with lots of hairpins and tight junctions are extremely difficult with my limitations. I had a few issues there in 2013 and this year it might be even trickier since some of the stages are reversed. There will be at least six or seven drivers who can fight for the podium and that is why we need to be realistic. We will just try to do our own rally.”

‘Recce will be crucial’
Bryan Bouffier – Hyundai Motorsport N
“It’s the first time I am competing in the WRC with an official team so I’m really excited and very pleased to have this opportunity. I have never competed at Rallye Deutschland before but last year I was on gravel notes duty so I know what to expect from the stages. However, you can’t learn those stages by heart. Recce will be crucial and it will be very important to have good pace notes for this event.”

‘Panzerplatte a favourite’
Jari-Matti Latvala - Volkswagen Motorsport
“I have no problem with the surface itself – I like asphalt rallies, and particularly the character of the route. I am looking forward to the ‘Panzerplatte’ more than anything else. Unfortunately I had a bad experience with the standing stones last year, when I hit one whilst leading the rally. I can obviously not allow that to happen to me again this year. My goal is to follow on from my success in Finland and challenge for the win again.”

More News