After joining Ford to try to win the Dakar once again, how did the preparations go and how do you view this start of the journey?
First of all, it’s a challenge to enter the Dakar with a new manufacturer. I find this very positive for motorsport and I am delighted to participate in this project. Fords are 100% new. They performed well in testing. For the short time we had, everything went reasonably well. We will have to wait until the race to see how competitive we will be. In Morocco, we saw that we were almost equal with the winners (Dacia, Editor’s note). Now the big question is whether the reliability for this first year (with the Ford Raptor T1+, Editor’s note) will be sufficient.
You’re always adapting when it comes to starting from scratch to work with a new brand. What can you say about your departure from Audi and your first steps with Ford?
I think I have achieved many milestones throughout my sporting career. But you always have to take on new challenges, right? I think preparing a car from scratch for the Dakar is a great challenge. I like the idea of winning with a fifth car, it motivates me to do everything possible to achieve it.
How did you experience your return to the Ford family?
As I know Malcolm (Wilson, boss of M-Sport, Editor’s note) well, I already had the guarantee that everything would go well. At this point in my sporting career, I don’t want to have to fight for anything. Knowing what he is capable of contributed to my decision to join the team.
The Americans are trying to achieve victory with Ford, the Europeans with Mini and Dacia, which is part of the Renault Group, and the Japanese with Toyota. What do you think of this international battle of brands?
For the world of motorsport, I find it extremely good that there are different brands that are officially represented. The high level of our sport is only possible thanks to brands and sponsors. This type of racing is particularly conducive to this. We must be pleased that there are four brands participating in the Dakar, this shows that the race gives them the exposure they are looking for to showcase their products. Ultimately, it’s a business transaction for the manufacturers.
In your opinion, is the difficulty greater during the first part of the race?
Indeed, it is an intense and difficult first week that we will have to go through. There will be twice two days when we will not be able to benefit from assistance during the 48h Chrono and the marathon. These steps worry us a little more as the car is new. Despite everything, these are tests that we must overcome in the best possible way if we wish to win. We hope that there is already a lot happening there.
What do you think of the introduction of the torque meter system, which has already been tested in Morocco, on questions of equality between the vehicles which will take the start?
This is a very good thing for all competitions. By establishing equality of power, it will be necessary to make a difference in configuration and piloting. As we will all theoretically start with the same power, it will not be the same as before and that could change the situation on the special stages.
You have spoken many times about the stage of your sporting career. Where are you?
I’m here at the Dakar, which is already good since I’m a veteran. But as I have said many times, the passport gives a number, but the important thing is what the timer says at the end of each stage, right? I continue to work very hard, more than ever. We must redouble our efforts in preparation and that is what allows me to arrive here with the hope and desire for victory.
Nani Roma is one of your teammates, he has very good knowledge of the car. What do you think of the team composition?
There are experienced drivers in the team, like Mattias Ekström. I am myself an experienced driver in this type of racing. I know very well which car I want and I have won with four different cars. My goal is to win with a fifth. But it is true that the better your teammate is, the better the result for the team and this year the Ford team is quite balanced.
On the occasion of the special day organized by Ferrari for your son’s departure, you were able to test a Scuderia single-seater and you declared that you had fulfilled the dream of a lifetime. How was it ?
I was very happy! Obviously, it’s very impressive to find yourself on the Fiorano circuit behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, to feel the particularities of acceleration and braking, it’s a real aerodynamic bomb. After these sixteen laps, I can only show my respect to the Formula 1 drivers. I had fun and I found it to be a very nice gesture from Ferrari towards its ex-driver. Giving him the opportunity to drive a car they gave him alongside his father is an incredible and rare gesture.
You often gave your son advice, it was his turn to give it to you. What was his reaction?
I think he was very worried because he knew I had no experience in these cars. I saw him very stressed, but he gave me a lot of advice.
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