What does Monte-Carlo mean to you?
I have a special story with this rally. She has often been beautiful like in 2015 when I revealed myself to Malcolm Wilson. This is where I took my first steps as an official driver in 2016. I was regularly at the top of my category and also won in WRC2 in 2020. I also experienced big disappointments. I’m happy to come back and I’m enjoying being able to drive in this event which is close to my heart. This mix of emotions makes her a little exceptional in my eyes.
In addition to having carried out the development of the i20 Rally2 Spec2, you carried out two days of testing. Does this allow you to move forward with peace of mind?
At the start of a Monte-Carlo, I would not use the term “serene”… and then it is only a return to WRC2, not to WRC. You have to know how to stay in your place. I would say that I am in a certain dynamic. It cannot be controlled, but it is in me. All this comes from the 2C team, from Hyundai, from my co-driver Thibault de la Haye…
Are you satisfied with your preparation?
It went well, but we don’t have much feedback on this car in the World Cup. It’s not as if she has won the last ten races in WRC2… That’s why I’m not getting carried away. With the small improvements, I feel even better in it and what we achieved in the French Championship, with victories and best times everywhere, allows us to believe in it.
Have you been able to discover Hankook tires? How do you judge their behavior?
-I got used to it. We still have a few questions surrounding the studded rubber, but we’ll see. We all have the same…
What will be your objective during this Monte-Carlo?
I set out with the ambition to perform well, but I lack reference points. We will try to have the fastest pace. Today, I’m not sure I have it… That’s what I’m going to try to evaluate. I’ve watched the dash cams of the best in class in previous years and I don’t expect to be ahead. If we manage to measure up to them, it will be great news for me, the team and Hyundai. I know the task will not be easy.
Comments collected by L. Rocci
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