by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH NICKY GRIST: CLICK HERE
Colin McRae's former co-driver, Nicky Grist was one of the stars at the recent Castle Combe Rallyday in the UK.
Crash.net Radio spoke to him about that event and the World Rally Championship in general...
Crash.net:
Nicky, what have you made of this year's Rallyday?
Nicky Grist:
The sun is shinning and there is not a cloud in the sky. In previous years that has always been a bone of contention and it has been washed out regularly. But today is an absolutely stunning day. There are loads of people here and a load of cars. It is just a great day out.
Crash.net:
How important are events like this for the sport and the WRC?
NG:
I don't think it is especially important for the WRC as that is enough of a show in its own right. But it is a great show for all those enthusiasts who spend every spare bit of cash of their own on their rally cars. It gives them a chance to show off in front of the crowds. That is a far better tribute for this event than the big stars. But don't get me wrong the big stars are the ones that really do attract the spectators.
Crash.net:
Mikko Hirvonen is the headline act here - can he beat Sebastien Loeb and win the 2008 WRC drivers' title?
NG:
It is going to be difficult. But you should never, say never. There was obviously a bit of a cock-up in New Zealand, which set them back quite dearly. But Sebastien will never be far away. When it comes down to it, I think it is going to be a race right to the finish. But you can't underestimate the coolness and the experience of
Sebastien Loeb. He will always be there at the end.
Crash.net:
The next two events in Spain and France are on asphalt and that of course traditionally favours Sebastien...
NG:
I was going to follow on and mention that. You can't say that Sebastien is not going to win it. But bearing in mind all they have to do is finish second and it is only a two point difference. It is not like the scoring was ten years ago, when you maybe had a five point difference between first and second. Now it is only two points and he is only going to gain two points if he wins and Mikko finishes in second place. There are a lot of other tarmac boys though that could come in and mess things up. If Mikko has a couple of hiccups and starts finishing down the order then these tarmac rallies could be crucial.
