"This has been a good year so far for the team and there's no reason why Japan shouldn't be another good rally. Federico has been doing an impressive job this year, he has got the experience of the stages, is setting decent times and picking up points along the way."
Companc contested the Rally Japan for the first time last year and was set for a top-ten finish, having set some good stage times including a fourth, until he lost a wheel on the final day and dropped to eleventh.
That experience though should be of benefit and he would dearly love to get into the top eight come the finish on Sunday and open his own account in terms of drivers' points.
"I like the rally in Japan as the stages are fast, good to drive and there is quite a bit of grip. Last year this event was my first in the '06 spec car, I have very good memories from that and I was happy with the times that I set," he continued.
"Another thing I remember from last year are the high numbers of spectators on the road sections of the rally. I don't have a problem making pace notes for these stages and it will be a good advantage to use our notes from last year, there are quite a few stages the same as last year so this will help me during the recce."
Villagra meanwhile has also competed in Japan before - back in 2005 and was running fourth overall in the PWRC category until he had to retire on the final day.
"As well as looking forward to the rally in Japan, I think it will also be very difficult. I have experience of the stages from a couple of years ago but will have to adjust my pacenotes slightly as back then it was in a Group N car. For this year in a top WRC car we will aim to be very neat on the stages and try to have a clean rally," he continued
"One of the most difficult things are the stages themselves, the roads are very fast, but narrow, with bushes very close to the side of the road. Pacenotes need to be accurate and precise. I am feeling good going into this event however. Hopefully we can score some more points for the Munchi's team in Japan."
Production Car WRC:
Arai closes on second title.
Toshi Arai could secure the
FIA Production Car WRC title for the second time this weekend, providing he finishes in the top two.
