Marc Marti:
We knew that it would be difficult. We try to push. Citroën ask to us to drive as fast as possible. This is good for us. Dani did a great job. He is still learning and I am happy for him. He is improving all the time. He needs to be patient and know how to be first on the road. He is learning a lot of things.
Q:
Your third podium in a row; how has this weekend been for you Chris?
Chris Atkinson:
Obviously it was not the best weekend because we are still a long way off the pace. Dani, Mikko and Jari-Matti (Latvala) had good rallies. We are nowhere near the pace to finish on top, but we had a bit of luck and we were there at the end. I would have been happy with fifth at the start of the week. To finish on the podium is a bonus.
Q:
Damper problems have affected the team at the start of the weekend. Did it get any better as the weekend progressed?
CA:
We were just struggling with the handling of the car. It has been better on the last two rallies but it was not as good here. Petter (Solberg) set some better times than us. He had some misfortune and then we found a level of pace that was sensible.
Q:
With today being the longest competitively of the three days, and coupled with the longest stage run twice, how did the Pirelli tyres hold up today in terms of wear?
CA:
Our tyres have been fine. We did not even bother ‘front to backing’ them.
Q:
What did you think of the event overall?
CA:
It’s been interesting to come to a new country and the Middle East for the first time. I came a few days early and did the tourist things. The rally was really challenging. There were a lot of moments, spectators and plenty of action for television.
Q:
You have shown this season your consistency and ability with a car that is soon to be replaced. How much are you looking forward to the new car and when will we see the first win for Chris Atkinson?
CA:
Like I said who knows when it will come. We are still a long way from winning. We have work to do. We had some good stages and we have had some good rallies. We have been fast on some stages. Now we need to find it all the time. We still need to work hard. Four or five drivers are faster than me on any given day. More speed is needed.
