by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH MANFRED STOHL: CLICK HERE
Manfred Stohl has competed in over 100 WRC events and now stands on the verge of making his debut in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge next week in Portugal.
Crash.net Radio caught up with the Austrian recently to find out about that and to get his thoughts on the WRC...
Crash.net:
Manfred, you are going to compete on the Rally Portugal again soon. How did the deal to compete there come about?
Manfred Stohl:
The organiser called me and asked me if I wanted to take part. I was just happy to get the chance and we soon came to an agreement. That is how it started.
Crash.net:
Obviously Portugal is not a round of the WRC this season, but the second round of the IRC. Would you like to do a full assault on the IRC in the future?
MS:
I am open to everything of course. But it is all related at the moment to sponsorship and because my long term backer, OMV, retired from rallying, it makes it harder for me.
Crash.net:
You will be using a Peugeot 207 S2000 in Portugal. Have you driven that car yet?
MS:
Not at the moment, but I hope I can do a little test or shakedown before the event.
Crash.net:
How different is the 207 S2000 going to be to the World Rally Cars you have piloted these last few years in the WRC - and will you have to adapt your driving style?
MS:
I am sure it will be very, very difficult to adjust and to understand exactly how the car works.
