Currently running joint fifth in the drivers' championship, Henning will be looking to maximise his points haul to try and get back in front of his brother Petter, who occupies fourth and is one point ahead.
Although the last event in Germany was a tough one for the Norwegian - and only his third WRC outing on asphalt, he reckons that he actually learnt a few things there that should help him on the loose.
“Germany was a difficult rally but I think that driving on asphalt has taught me some things that will actually help to improve my driving on gravel, so with that in mind, I think New Zealand should be quite good,” he confirmed.
“Some parts of this rally are difficult with the high speeds and the narrow roads but generally I enjoy the stages.
"We will probably start with a similar setting to Finland; we made some good improvements with the suspension there which should also work in New Zealand.
“Top-five is definitely my target for this rally; I think it’s a really good chance to collect some more points for both myself and the team.”
M-Sport boss, Malcolm Wilson meanwhile agrees that this event could be good for Henning, as well as his
Stobart team-mates,
Jari-Matti Latvala and
Matthew Wilson, although the latter as normal won’t be nominated to score manufacturers’ points.
“This is an event where the Stobart team could potentially do very well,” added Wilson Sr.
“I think it certainly could be the best event for all three drivers because they have experience here and all showed good form on the last gravel event in Finland.
“These roads really suit the car which could see guys like Henning and Jari challenging the likes of [Dani] Sordo [
Citroen's #2 driver] which for the Stobart team - and the
BP Ford team could be quite helpful in the Manufacturers’ Championship. This is a good chance for our drivers and the team to score highly.”
Munchi’s Ford WRT:
[Luis-Perez Companc, car #11 and
Federico Villagra, car #12]
Munchi’s duo looking for more points in NZ.
Luis Perez Companc is ‘hopeful’ that he and his Munchi’s team-mate Federico Villagra can score more manufacturers’ points in New Zealand this weekend following on from their ‘dream’ result in Finland.
