Abu Dhabi Total WRT Team drivers quotes ahead of Sweden Rally 05.02.2016: WRC Rallyes - Sweden Rally 2016 QUOTE, UNQUOTE

WRC Rallyes - Sweden Rally 2016



QUOTE, UNQUOTE


Kris Meeke (#7): “It’s true that I don’t have a lot of experience in Sweden, but this is one of my favourite rallies! Driving in these conditions is a genuinely unique pleasure. To begin with, you have to force yourself to push because your body and mind are telling you that you’re skidding.


And yet you have to put as much power through the tyres as possible. And then the grip increases massively! It’s a bit like driving a car with a lot of downforce, you have to push back your own limits to get the absolute maximum in terms of performance… without overstepping the mark!


This year, we know that the road conditions may be difficult but it’s the same for everyone. Although we made an encouraging start in Monte-Carlo, I don’t think we’ll be able to challenge for victory again, because I still have a lot to learn on this surface.


But I would be pleased if I manage to reproduce the same kind of performance as last year.”


Khalid Al-Qassimi (#14): “Rally Sweden is so special, of course, and it has its own character. We have to deal with it carefully as the slightest mistake can cost a lot of time.


We will follow a balanced rhythm of driving, as it’s two years since I last competed in Sweden. I have to get the feeling back in such tricky conditions, then we will raise our pace when we feel it’s possible to do so.


My goal is to enjoy the rally and to finish it with the best result possible. I would like to wish Kris and Craig all the best in Sweden.


I am confident that Abu Dhabi Total WRT will be competitive in Sweden too.”



Craig Breen (#15): “It’s a childhood dream come true. Being able to drive a car like this in the World Championship is such an important opportunity for the rest of my career. I would like to thank everyone that has made it possible for me to be here, starting with Abu Dhabi and Total.


This is the first time I have competed at Rally Sweden in a World Rally Car and I have already seen just how hard it is to make the final step. Above all, it has been the level of competitiveness among the drivers that has most impressed me. I now have to grab this chance and show that I deserve my place among the elite.


 My aim is to keep improving throughout the rally, not to push like crazy on the first stage. I have a lot to learn and I’ll have other opportunities to show my speed. If I finish in the top six, that would be a fantastic result.”




COMING UP

Thursday, 11 February: shakedown at Bäck from 8am to 9.30am, then ceremonial start in Karlstad at 8.04pm.


Parc ferme from 8.48pm following the opening 1.9km stage.


Friday, 12 February: start from Karlstad at 6.20am.


Finish in Karlstad from 8.17pm following eight stages covering a total of 132.5km.


Saturday, 13 February: start from Karlstad at 5.35am.


Finish in Karlstad from 7.56pm following eight stages covering a total of 135.07km.


Sunday, 14 February: start from Karlstad at 5.30am.


Overall finish in Karlstad from 3pm following four stages covering a total of 61.74km.
 
 

Jérôme Roussel- photos Citroen