"Conditions have been extremely tough throughout this rally: it's probably the biggest challenge of the year we have faced so far. I enjoyed the morning stages: we had no real problems with the car, although I am feeling my inexperience a little bit. The roads were even rougher on the second passage through the stages in the afternoon, and unfortunately we broke the suspension. That's life, but we'll start again tomorrow with the aim of learning as much as possible."
Matthew Wilson [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT]: [retired from day 2 in SS15 – suspension damage]
"It has been one of those days and I’m just really disappointed because things were looking good and my mechanics did an awesome job to get us back out this afternoon after the problems in the morning. On the first stage today we hit a huge rock on a right-hand bend which cracked the windscreen. The impact must have moved the exhaust slightly because it started to rub against the tunnel sending smoke into the cockpit and it also affected the prop-shaft. The guys got us back out before the time limit was up but then on the final corner of stage 15 we broke the TCA [track control arm] and unfortunately had to retire for the day. We will be back tomorrow to get some experience for next year and a few more miles on gravel before heading to Jordan."
Toni Gardemeister [Suzuki WRT]: [retired from day 2 after SS15 - mechanical]
"We've not had an easy run of things today. We were just a few hundred metres into the first stage this morning when we lost drive at the front. We obviously then lost a lot of time as we had only two-wheel drive. That problem was fixed at service, but next we had another issue with the hydraulic system. We have to remember that this is just the fourth rally of our first full season with the SX4 WRC, so it's normal to expect a few problems. The important thing is just to try and fix them and move on. Hopefully we can have a good day tomorrow, and show a little bit more of our potential."
Team principals:
Olivier Quesnel [Citroen Total WRT - team principal]:
"I was very pleased with the runs of both our crews today, as well as with the faultless performance of the two Citroën C4 WRCs. Sébastien and Daniel were in total control and managed to up their pace whenever the conditions allowed to pull even further clear. At the same time, they took it easier through the more delicate portions so as not to make any mistakes. They are in a good position for tomorrow.
