MK:
I was one of the fastest of the Juniors on the first round and again on the second. I did not make a third time because, on the rally, we only have two runs so there was no need to do it.
Q:
Shaun, you won the Rookie award in last year’s Championship, in what was your debut year. What is the aim for this season? Is your confidence high after last year’s successes?
Shaun Gallagher:
The whole team is excited. Last year was a learning year for us. There are a lot of new rallies. We are looking forward to the new rallies. I have a new co-driver and a new car. We will see what happens. It is very good with my new co-driver. He is easy to get on with. I need more time in the car. More miles means more experience. To push more, I need more feeling.
Q:
Which events on this year’s calendar do you think you will be strong at?
SG:
Gravel rallies maybe. A lot of gravel needs experience. The tarmac rallies in Spain, Corsica and Germany are different to Ireland, where we have bumpy roads. They are smooth and suited to go-karts on the other events.
Q:
What do you think of the stages in Mexico? Are there any particular stages that could be very tricky?
SG:
They will all be tricky. The stages are fast and flowing. There are many tricky places, but we should manage it.
Q:
What are your expectations?
SG:
I will try to get to the finish. To be in the points would be very good. This is a learning rally for us.
Q:
The HANS safety device has now been introduced to the JWRC; how are you getting along with it so far?
SG:
It’s very good, very safe, but it takes some getting used to. It’s a bit different.
