Crash.net:
Are you going to get much testing prior to the Pirelli International in April, round 1 in the BRC?
NR:
Obviously testing is always dependent on budget and things. I am involved with the Suzuki as well and I am not sure what is going on with the 'main' team and the Subarus [which David and Hugh Evans - my team-mates will compete in]. But I hope to maybe do a test rally in the Suzuki sometime before and hopefully test at David's FX Rally School too, which is obviously a great testing venue. It seems perfect to start there.
Crash.net:
What are your targets for the year overall?
NR:
I think I am quite lucky because with two programmes I can split them up and have two different goals. China is just going to be a massive, massive learning curve and I don't think there is a huge amount expected of me there. I am just going to get my head down and practice and get use to working in a big team. With the Suzuki there are two great prizes on offer in the BRC with Pirelli Star Driver competition and the chance to drive a Suzuki Super 1600 car on Wales Rally GB. In Britain my plan is just to work on my speed and try and get some good results. Ultimately though I just want to keep learning and look at the bigger picture.
Crash.net:
You mentioned the Pirelli Star Driver competition, how nice would it be to win that this year and take the prize drive in 2009?
NR:
Obviously it would be great and I will always keep it in mind. The top Junior driver in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup gets automatic inclusion in the Pirelli Star shoot-out. It is definitely something to aim for. I need to make sure I keep fit during the year and think about the things that I might be tested on if I do manage to get a place in it - and if not I will still be developing anyway and it won’t do me any harm.
Crash.net:
What areas will you work in 2008? Is fitness a big thing you will be focusing on?
NR:
Yeah, I go to the gym every day and I do a lot of practice with completing reconnaissance's too. I think that is where a lot of the speed can come from. Generally I am just working on everything - my mental approach, work on the media side and maybe I will try and get more sponsors too. That is always a good plan. I have got enough sponsors for this year but obviously looking ahead all the time is the main thing. Just working on the overall speed and 'the package'. We know now that drivers can’t just be fast. They need to be good at everything. I want to work on every area, all the time. I have decided not to go to University so I can just focus on trying to make a good job of this. I have got plenty of time on my side.
Crash.net:
Have you deferred your University entrance then?
NR:
I wouldn't say deferred. I just haven't applied. I will see how this goes first. I have got my A-levels and that is always a good back-up. I will focus on rallying for now.
Crash.net:
Regarding the MSA British Rally Elite and Academy schemes is that something you are involved in or would like to be involved in?
![Team TQ / FX Motor Sports launch - Nick Rowland, Ieuan Thomas, David Higgins, Hugh Evans, Jon Mills and Andrew Farrington [team manager] [l to r]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/402762.jpg)
