Millener urges Munster to build on Safari learnings

Munster retired from Saturday’s opening stage in Kenya with damaged rear suspension, but Millener said the speed from the 25-year-old’s Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid was impressive.

“Naturally Grégoire was disappointed with the result,” said Millener, “and that’s understandable, but I’m impressed with what he achieved considering the experience he and Louis [Louka, co-driver] have with these cars. It’s easy to forget this was only their fifth event in the Puma.

“There were some strong stage times in there and I think they both learned plenty about this event and how to tackle it. Now, I’m looking forward to seeing how they can build on that and what they can do next time out in Croatia. Grégoire has done [Croatia Rally] a couple of times before and, obviously, he’s spent a decent amount of time driving on asphalt in changeable conditions.”

Munster’s asphalt debut in the Puma came at last year’s Central European Rally, where he finished seventh and impressed with his ability to settle into a consistent and increasingly quick rhythm in the Rally1 car.

Both Munster and team-mate Adrien Fourmaux are testing in Croatia this week.