Red Bull Rally Team boss Raimund Baumschlager has told his number one driver Andreas Aigner that he needs to step up this weekend in Argentina and convert his promising pace in the PWRC into a top result.
Aigner missed out on a solid points' finish in Sweden when he went off the road on day two while running in fifth position. Baumschlager is now eager to see his protégé do well on the second round in the
FIA Production Car World Rally Championship.
"It is time that Aigner converted his terrific split and stage times into a decent finish. He just has to drive a tactically better rally," Baumschlager confirmed. "If he can just do that a top result will be the logical outcome."
Aigner himself is understandably feeling the pressure: "Quite clearly I know what is expected of me. In Sweden I was on the right track, and I would like to bring it home here," he added.
"At the same time a bit of luck is always needed. Even a tiny mistake can have fatal consequences. I am arriving in Argentina well prepared however and I am very confident."
Bernardo Sousa meanwhile will again drive the sister Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and he is feeling very bullish after some superb recent performances.
Indeed he picked up a point in Sweden, on his debut in the PWRC and on his debut on the snow and he stormed to a fantastic Group N win on the opening round of the Portuguese Rally championship, finishing second in the overall classification.
"The season started really well for me. Despite all the euphoria though, I am not going to forget the team's instructions," he continued.
"The goal is to finish the rally, and I will be fully concentrated on achieving just that. And if I end up finishing in another good position then that is of course an extra reason to celebrate."
"Bernardo is racing beyond his 20 years right now," Baumschlager summed-up. "He really showed in Portugal how much potential he has racing on gravel. As a result I reckon he can spring another surprise in Argentina."
![Andreas Aigner (AUT), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX [Production Car WRC]. Uddeholm Swedish Rally, February 7-10th 2008.](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/405613.jpg)
