Chris Atkinson [Subaru WRT]: Restart under SupeRally
“This afternoon was better and we were able to push for some better times but overall today has not been good. We had some problems with the suspension struts that meant the car wasn’t damping properly, but after we changed them in service it was better. We’ve still got a lot to learn with this new car and it’s frustrating that we’re in this position as from testing we know this car can perform far better. The guys did a great job on the car last night to turn it round in time, and I’d like to thank them all.”
Matthew Wilson [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT]: Restart under SupeRally
“Today has been really good for us and I am really happy with the times we were setting. On all stages we were less than one second a kilometre off the leader and for some only 0.2-0.3 seconds which is very encouraging. The splits were also really fast in sections and it has helped my confidence a lot especially after retiring yesterday. I know I still need more experience of these events but it is a good feeling to know we can set these times. Tomorrow we will look to continue and hopefully achieve what we have today.”
Martin Prokop [Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX]: [PWRC leader]
“It’s a shame for Mirco, it was a very good fight. This is the way it goes sometimes. The stages this afternoon were really fast in places. I enjoyed them, but it’s still quite hard to judge how quick we can go. This is the first time I have driven these kind of stages in this car.”
Patrick Sandell [Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX]: [PWRC – second overall]
“What a day! I’ve really found my rhythm today. It’s been very good for me. We’ve had no problems, except for a heavy landing after flying a little further than expected over one jump this afternoon.”
Martin Rauam [Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9]: [PWRC - third overall]
"I didn't change anything on the car today Just my mind. Finally, I was able to find some rhythm. Now I need to carry that on into the final day."
Team principals:
Malcolm Wilson [BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT - team boss]:
"Once we saw how much Loeb slowed at the end of the final stage, we made an instant decision to let Jari-Matti take his chance and build as big a lead over him as possible. Of course, it also means Mikko has the advantage of being second to start tomorrow. Both drove flat out and it's looking good for an exciting day with four drivers covered by 15sec.”
