Crash.net:
You will obviously use the '07 Focus this year, have you noticed much difference during testing between that spec car and the one you drove last season with the
Stobart Ford team?
J-ML
The difference between the 07 and 06 spec cars is not huge. There is a little bit of difference in the suspension. The 07 car has a bit better traction. But basically the engines are completely the same. They are very close to each other. It mainly depends on the driver.
Crash.net:
How have you found the Pirelli tyres in testing? Is there a big difference?
J-ML:
On dry tarmac they are working quite well. In the wet conditions I need to do some more testing - and the same on snow too. They are different to what we had last year and the tyres look completely different. Also we don't have [run-flat] mousse, which means there will be less cutting and you might have a puncture in the rally, which will effect things quite a lot. You could lose the win if you have a puncture. It means you have to change the driving style a little bit to be more careful. But otherwise the tyres are the same for everybody.
Crash.net:
Many people were predicting you would get promoted to the
BP Ford team this year. In the end were you confident you would get the job - and are you confident you can deliver?
J-ML
I have a good feeling at the moment but I know there will of course be some pressure to get good finishes. But that is what you normally need to do. I don't think about it too much. I also know there are some very eager youngsters hunting for the top teams. I will just try to do my job as well as I can and lets see what happens.
Crash.net:
What do you think is going to be your role this season with the BP Ford team?
J-ML
I will be in the position where Mikko use to be and Mikko will be in the position where Marcus was. Mikko will be hunting for victories and I will try and finish in the podium places to make sure we get points. That is the role I will play I would say.
Crash.net:
What targets have you got for the year overall?
J-ML
I will try and finish on the podium as much as possible. I am going to be really, really hunting for that - and I will try improving my driving too. I have a dream that at the end of the year - or at some point this season - if I can win a world rally that is something I have been eager to do for a very long time. I believe that with this car it is very possible. But I need to get that last 2 per cent so that I can go fast enough and keep the car on the road.
Crash.net:
Are you looking forward to working with Mikko?
