Drivers: Armindo Araújo and Patrik Flodin


Q:
Armindo, firstly we can congratulate you on becoming the PWRC Champion* for 2009!

Armindo Araújo:
It is a fantastic feeling. We worked hard this year to win the Championship. I want to say one big thank you to Ralliart Italy because they gave me a big support this year. It was very hard because the other competitors were very strong. There were big fights in all the events but in the end we win and we are very happy.

Q:
Did you do anything special at home to celebrate?

AA:
Of course, a big party with my friends and family. I have worked very hard to be Champion and last week it was a dream come true for me.

Q:
You have had a very consistent season and you picked up a win at your home event in Portugal; how confident do you feel of a repeat of that on the forest stages in Wales?

AA:
We learned a lot in the last two years and to make a good result in this Championship you have to finish all the events and I think we worked very well through the year. We finished all the events, most part on the podium, and it was a good year for us with no real problems, fighting all the time for the victories and in the end this Championship victory is very good for our team and for the future.

Q:
What have you thought of the stages from what you have seen on the recce? Will they suit you?

AA:
It is a very difficult rally because of the muddy and slippery conditions. If the conditions get worse it will be better for the Group Ns but the Super 2000 is one step better than us and it will be very difficult for us in Group N to fight with them. The recce went well and on the Monday test. Now that the Championship is decided I can concentrate on giving information and help Ralliart Italy about the new Evo X. With a new car it is always difficult but I am very confident.

Q:
What do you plan to do for next season? How much do you think winning the Championship will help you secure a deal for next year?

AA:
I don't know yet. Everything is up in the air with the sponsors. Of course, the Super 2000 is a very good car for the PWRC but the cost is very high compared with Group N. I don't know what is possible for the future but I am very happy with this team.

Q:
Patrik, you took the win here in PWRC last year but that was in December, with some ice and snow thrown in – very different conditions this year!

Patrik Flodin:
The rain is OK for me this year, I really like this rally and when it is slippery and difficult I think I will do well.

Q:
You've tested and you've recced. Everything good?

PF:
The test went well and everything was good. We just changed a few small things to the car which has helped and I am really looking forward now to going full throttle.

Q:
Your best result this season was fourth in Italy – what have you thought of your season?

PF: