[More Pictures]

Q&A: Xavier Pons - EXCLUSIVE.

Monday, 2nd July 2007

Xavier Pons speaks exclusively to Crash.net.

XP:
Yeah, I am very, very happy to work with two drivers’ of that level. I was lucky last year and had an opportunity to work with the world champion, Sebastien Loeb and now I have the chance to work with another two good drivers. You can always learn from working with different drivers.

Crash.net:
Of course you have done three events this season in a privately entered Mitsubishi. Will that experience be of any help?

XP:
Obviously the results weren’t so good [in Monte Carlo, Sweden and Norway] - and after the opportunity I had last season [with Kronos Citroen] they were three difficult events. But the chance to do the Rally Norway, a new event, that is good for the future - it is important to have the pace notes and know the stages there. It was a good idea to do these three rallies.

Advertisement

Crash.net:
What are your targets for Finland - and the second half of the season as a whole?

XP:
For Finland, like I said, I want to do as many kilometres as possible and get up to speed as much as I can. For the rest of the season, rally-by-rally, I want to try and get as high as possible in the overall classification. Obviously it would be nice if I can get a podium before the finish of the year.

Crash.net:
How much of a boost is it for you to know that you also have a drive with Subaru in 2008?

XP:
It is important as it will give me the opportunity to do the rallies this year quite relaxed, because I know what I will be doing next year. Sometimes it is difficult being with a team when you don’t know what will happen in the future. That puts you under pressure. So to have a deal for one and a half years is perfect for furthering my career.

Crash.net:
Can you ultimately win events with the SWRT?

XP:
I hope I can - but I haven’t tested with the car yet and I don’t know what level the car is at. I know the team have been working a lot and the new car will be really good, for sure.

Crash.net:
Who do you think will take the drivers’ title this season?

XP:
That is a difficult question, because the fight is very tight this year [between Marcus Gronholm and Loeb]. It will depend how things work out following the first two tarmac events in Germany and Catalunya. I think this year the title will be decided on the tarmac. But it is very difficult to say who will be the champion.

Related Images

[Top of Article]