Stohl really likes the Rally NZ and in addition to the third place overall he managed last year, behind the BP Fords of Marcus Gronholm and
Mikko Hirvonen, he has also taken three Group N victories on the Auckland-based round.
“New Zealand is my favourite rally and that is due to the surface of the roads,” he added, when asked why he likes it.
“The slippery gravel on very hard ground suits my style of driving and, to me, is the epitome of rallying. Additionally you’re in what’s probably the most beautiful landscape in the world. With that comes further motivation,” he summed-up.
Kronos boss, Marc van Dalen meanwhile has revealed that he is 'optimistic' Duval will get to do more events with his team this season.
Speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio last week, van Dalen added that while they don't have long yet to get things sorted so that Duval can start on the Rally de Espana - the twelfth round in the 2007
FIA World Rally Championship, which runs from October 5-7, he is doing everything in his power to make sure the ex-
Citroen works driver is at the event in his #2 car.
“I am working like hell for that - believe me! We are working very hard to find the money so he can do the next event in Europe,” he confirmed.
“There are four rallies left in Europe and the entries close on August 30 for Spain, so I have seven days left to find the money.
“I am quite optimistic though because there are a lot of people around me who are trying to help me. Everybody is pushing for that and I hope we can do it. It is very important for all of us.”
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH MARC VAN DALEN PRE-RALLY NZ: CLICK HERE
Subaru WRT:
[
Petter Solberg, car #7 and
Chris Atkinson, car #8 4 [and Xavier Pons, car #14 - not nominated for points]]
Petter cautious, Atkinson more hopeful.
Subaru team leader, Petter Solberg has predicted that he should be able to fight for ‘top spots’ in New Zealand - providing things ‘work right’.
