Tuesday | 11 Nov 2014

Wales Rally GB Fighting talk: Part 1

Our first collection of WRC driver quotes ahead of this season’s final round, the wild and muddy Wales Rally GB (13 – 16 November).

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS (above): “My first attempt was troublesome.” 
“Last year we did not get far, but it was difficult having to make the switch to a world rally car with a new co-driver and Italian pacenotes. With more experience I expect this week to be a better rally for me. About 70 percent of the stages are new compared to last year and since my first attempt was troublesome, this year's event will be like a new experience for me.”

Thierry Neuville, Hyundai i20: “It’s certainly not an easy one.”
“It feels special to go back to Wales as Nicolas and I were crowned vice-Champions there last year. This year we will make our best to finish without any problems but also trying to keep a good rhythm and set some good times with our Hyundai i20 WRC. Wales Rally GB is certainly not an easy one; the grip is changing constantly and it’s very important to have a good recce and pace notes.”

Kris Meeke, Citroen DS3: “I love the smell of the mud in the forests”
“It’s the closest I get to a home rally in the WRC. I even took part in my first ever rally, the Bulldog, in these forests. So I know the region very well even though I have only competed in Wales Rally GB once in the last eight years. I love the atmosphere here, the tradition of the event, even the smell of the mud in the forests. These are some of the most beautiful stages in the world, and some of the most difficult as well. I know I’ll get plenty of support from the many fans who would love to see me win.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R: “It’s like a home rally to me.”
“I want to end the season with a really good result. Rally Great Britain is particularly dear to my heart, as this is where my career began back in 2006. Since then, it has been like a home rally for me. I feel right at home in Wales, and am very familiar with the conditions. I am optimistic that I might even claim the first WRC win of my career here. Despite this, I will not risk everything to get my first victory. This will come anyway sooner or later. However, the current situation in the championship means I will take a few more risks than usual.”

Sebastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R: “Every driver wants to end the season strongly”
“We achieved the biggest goal of the season in Spain, so the pressure is off. I want to enjoy the last rally of the season, which means getting a good result. Experience shows that every driver wants to end the season as strongly as possible at the final rally of the year, before heading into the well-earned break. I can well imagine that Jari-Matti will be looking to celebrate his third win of the season in Wales.”

Mikko Hirvonen, Ford Fiesta RS: “We’re going to have an emotional Sunday.”
“This is going to be a very special event for me, my last in the FIA World Rally Championship. It was actually my first WRC event in a world rally car and I can’t wait to get out there and experience it all for the final time. I think we’re going to have an emotional day on Sunday, and it would be great to say our final farewell from the podium.”

Juho Hanninen, Hyundai i20: “I had almost forgotten the variety of surface conditions."
“It feels good to be back in the Hyundai after a couple of months. We had a really good test and I think we’re well prepared to tackle the stages. My last time in GB was back in 2008 and I had almost forgotten the variety of surface conditions you can find there due to the constant change of grip. I haven’t competed in most of this year’s stages but we will try to have a good recce and prepare as much as we can.”

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