“I've not driven proper stages in the dark since the Monte Carlo Rally in January but when I began my rallying career in Finland there were plenty of night stages so I'm used to it. Our pace notes will be more precise than usual in case it is foggy in the forests so that's also a benefit for the night stages,” added the 27-year-old.
OMV Kronos Citroen WRT:
[Manfred Stohl, car #5]
Stohl going for fifth points finish on trot in GB.
Manfred Stohl has promised that he will attack from the off on the Wales Rally GB.
Stohl’s future in the WRC - and that of Kronos too - is currently uncertain following OMV’s decision to terminate its sponsorship activities in international and national rally sports.
The Austrian, who has enjoyed substantial backing from the company since 2005, is therefore extremely determined to do well and the fact the season as a whole has not gone especially to plan - he has only notched up 12 points and had six points finishes - will also spur him on.
The signs for GB however are quite promising and he has scored points on the Welsh event the last four years in succession, including taking second in 2006, one of the best performances of his career.
“We will attack right from the start,” confirmed the 35-year-old. “This rally suits me very much as is generally known.
“I scored points here four times in a row and last year we were even able to put pressure on eventual winner Marcus Gronholm for quite some time. Also, I have nothing to lose anymore this year.”
Asked about the event in more detail, Manfred added that the final day could be especially significant and even though it features only four stages, with 114 competitive kilometres on the bill, it may prove crucial.
“I believe that this is the longest final leg in the whole WRC. There the result could be turned completely upside down,” he continued. “One will have to stay focused right down to the last kilometre - and if it stays dry the extremely high speeds will be a criterion, as well.
“The rhythm of this rally nevertheless suits me and I’m eager to meet this last big challenge of the year.”
For the record, Manfred will be the sole OMV Kronos Citroen WRT team car on Rally GB, as has been the case more often than not throughout 2007.
Subaru WRT:
[
Petter Solberg, car #7 and
Chris Atkinson, car #8 [and Xavier Pons, car #17 - not nominated for manufacturers’ points]]
