Sebastien Loeb [Citroen Total WRT]:
"Our choice wasn't ideal for the rain on SS6. We managed to live with it, though, and even succeeded in pulling out a useful gap over Marcus Grönholm. It's been a dramatic opening day but the car and the team ensured we came through it unscathed. It's looking very encouraging at the moment, but there's still a long way to go."
[Speaking after SS4] “It went really well and I think my team-mate Sordo is doing great. The times are good and I'm ahead of Marcus, and that's what's most important.”
[Speaking in service A] “I still haven't got a good brake feeling, that's why I am braking too early. However, my 4 sec lead over Gronholm makes me a bit comfortable. So far, tyre choice was easy, but it could be more tricky from the next stage if we kept encountering changing weather.”
[Speaking after SS2] “I was quite fast in SS1, but the first part of the stage was slippery. Everything was ok in the second test. It was much better than the first one for me.”
Daniel Sordo [Citroen Total WRT]:
"It was a positive day for us, too. The last stage was really very difficult but I'm pleased to say that we succeeded in pulling even further clear of Marcus. Although it's not the most important thing this weekend, it was nice to lead a World Championship rally for the first time in my career - and on home soil, too. That was something special but, as I say, the main thing is to be ahead of Grönholm on Sunday afternoon."
[Speaking after SS4] “I fitted harder tyres for this loop because I thought they'll be better for SS4 and it worked. It is wonderful - first scratch and first time that I'm leader. We were very, very fast.”
[Speaking in service A] ”Tyres are the key. So far we have fitted the same ones (zero) and now it's time to decide. The sections were dirty and we were not able to push hard on some the corners.”
[Speaking after SS2] “I'm very happy, I felt comfortable at the wheel. The car is easy to handle in these conditions.”
Marcus Gronholm [BP Ford WRT]:
"It felt like I could go off on every corner [in SS6] so I drove cautiously. I need to think about the points to be gained from third place rather than risk losing everything by chasing Loeb in the rain on the wrong tyres. I had no feeling with the car in the wet and I was scared to push. The car was great in the dry on the previous stage but the rain came just 15 minutes too early. I hate this inconsistent weather and I hope tomorrow is dry so that I can keep the pressure on in case Seb makes a mistake."
