Preview: Rally Norway.

Wednesday, 14th February 2007

Just four days after crossing the finish line in Sweden, the WRC is back in action in neighbouring Norway this week for the third round of the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship.

Previous Page

“It’s my home rally and I’m really excited! I know there will be many spectators out to cheer me on, and it will help, but I also need to stay calm and focused,” he stated.

“We went to Sweden with the plan of a top-five finish there and hopefully a podium in Norway. Now I am halfway there.

“I will be really trying to go well and aiming for the podium place. The car feels really good and I am happy with everything. I can’t wait to get started on Friday.”

Ford / M-Sport team boss, Malcolm Wilson reckons that Henning stands a very good chance of getting a top three result.

“Henning has obviously demonstrated he has the speed and ability, and he won this event last year; he’s aiming for a podium and I really don’t see any reason why he can’t achieve this,” added Wilson Sr.

As for Jari-Matti Latvala and Matthew Wilson, who will drive the sister Ford Focus WRC06 cars, Malcolm also believes that they will shine too: “Jari-Matti also has a lot of experience on this surface and I think he will surprise a few people,” he continued, “It’s a new event for most people, and I think this will help Matthew. I expect him to go better than Sweden. All in all, the team should go well.”

Munchi’s Ford WRT:

[Luis-Perez Companc, car #11 and Juan Pablo Raies, car #12]

The Munchi's Ford World Rally Team will not take part in Norway - their next event, the second of ten rounds they are due to contest this season, is the Rally Mexico.

Junior WRC:

The Rally Norway is the first round in the FIA Junior Rally Championship - but unfortunately it has only attracted 11 of the 21 drivers’ who look set to compete in the series in 2007.

Reigning champion, Patrik Sandell will begin his title defence though and along with Per-Gunnar Andersson, who the Junior Swedish Rally last year and who took the JWRC title in 2004, they are both likely to figure prominently throughout the weekend.

P-G’s Suzuki Swift team-mate, Urmo Aava should also go well, considering he was third in Sweden last year and took the runners-up spot overall.

Finland’s Kalle Pinomaki will be another name to look out for along with ‘guest’ Trond Svenkerud and even Aaron Burkart.

Burkart made his debut in the Junior championship last season and took in the recent Arctic Rally as part of his preparation for this weekend’s event: “This year, I want to consolidate the progress I made last year, and my aim is to finish in the top five of the championship,” said the German, who will again drive a Citroen C2. “I hope to score points as often as possible, so it’s down to me now to steer clear of mistakes.”