PWRC: Pre-event press conference - Argentina.

Thursday, 27th March 2008

Drivers: Jari Ketomaa and Mirco Baldacci.

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MB:
Yes, I think this year there are a lot of drivers that are really fast in the Championship and it is not easy to win, but I try. I know the rally and I try for the podium and maybe also a win.

Q:
How difficult is it going to be in terms of the weather because this is like Rally GB; the rain is falling and it’s going to be very difficult in the stages.

MB:
I think my car set-up is very good. I think the problem is the tyres. Okay, it’s the same for all drivers but I think the Pirelli tyre for the Production Championship is too hard for this rally, for this condition, but it’s the same for all and we will see after the first or second stage.

Q:
It’s your third year in the PWRC; what do you hope to achieve this year?

MB:
I hope for a good season. Last year we were unlucky, some problems, some punctures. I hope for more luck this year. I come back with a Mitsubishi car; I like the Mitsubishi car.

Q:
Who do you think your main rivals are going to be this year because there is a strong field in the Championship?

MB:
There are a lot of fast drivers, a lot of Finnish drivers. Also he (Jari) is a very fast driver but will see; I try to push and then will see.

Q:
It will be the first event for you with the gravel Pirelli tyre; what are thoughts so far?

JK:
This morning when it was raining it was unbelievably slippery, it’s almost like ice without the spikes so it is very slippery but it is the same for everyone. We cannot do anything. But I think in some cases something needs to be done.

Q:
There’s a strong field of PWRC drivers here in Argentina, especially with the locals Marcos Ligato and Sebastian Beltran. How difficult will it be to get a good result?

JK:
Well, it is difficult for sure. I know Sebastian, I discussed with him this morning and he told me something about the gravel and everything, how the conditions can cause something because they know the stages from living here. So, I know the conditions in Finland. It’s the same for everyone when we go around the world and it is part of the Championship. So now we concentrate to find a good rhythm for the driving and maybe not taking care of the times in the beginning of the rally because I really need to find a good rhythm for the driving and hopefully try to keep the car in one piece, because for sure the rocks will be there.