Q:
You lead the Drivers' Championship now by 14 points and don't have to win the next two events. What is going to be the approach from you in Japan?
SL:
In these conditions it's better just to drive for the points. The pressure is too high when you play for the title. Okay, it's easy to forget this and drive for the win – but no, I drive for the points.
Q:
Daniel, we have seen a few changes to the route here, in your opinion has it been one of the toughest rallies?
Daniel Elena:
No. This year's okay. Okay sometimes it's tough for the tyres, but the same as other years. Some places you don't cut because there's no mousse (in the tyres). For me the tyre is working well and Sébastien has a good feeling. If you have more punctures it's because you need to drive more safely.
Q:
Mikko, it's second position at the end of the rally, brought about by team orders for the second time in two events. How tough is it for you as a competitor to accept that you haven't achieved this position on your own merit?
Mikko Hirvonen:
Well for sure it's not the way you want to get to the podium. In the end, I understand the team's point; they want to keep the Championship alive. This is the way they want to play it, so I accept it.
Q:
Away from team orders, your speed was better than Spain; were you happy with your pace over the first two days?
MH:
We had good speed on Friday and Saturday – better than Spain. There's still a lot of work to do to get on pace with Citroëns; still a lot of work to do.
Q:
How hard were you pushing to fight with Sébastien?
MH:
I tried. But when I tried to attack him harder I felt my times were getting worse. It was better to have a steady pace. Hmm, not a steady pace, but I had to go as quick as I could but not to start the car sliding.
Q:
What are your thoughts now on the Drivers' Championship?
