[Speaking in the mid-day service] “It's easy to make a mistake so we didn't take any unnecessary risks. The stages are very tricky today as they're narrow and very fast. We've had some good split times this morning, but I wasn't comfortable with the grip in the last stage [SS11] so we will make some changes for the afternoon.”


Gigi Galli [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT]:

"I found the stages difficult this morning as the temperatures were low and the roads very slippery. It was better for me to slow down and be careful and not make any mistakes. The afternoon was better though and the car and tyres and me were working much better on the dryer roads. But still for me the plan is to finish this rally and come away with as much experience of this car as possible."

[Speaking in the mid-day service] “For me the most important thing is to get to the end of this event. Last year I had to prove myself in three events but now I have the whole year to learn about the car and push harder later in the year. I didn't sleep too well last night which didn't help me today but I am enjoying myself and learning every kilometre we travel.”


Per-Gunnar Andersson [Suzuki WRT]:

"I'm very pleased with the way that today went and I also think that I improved my driving technique a lot as well. I was doing a lot less braking today and using higher gears to carry some more momentum: that was where I made up the time. If we can carry on like this it would be fantastic, so I need to concentrate on getting to the finish now. But I have to say that today was even better than I expected."


Henning Solberg [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT]:

"We lost some time this morning as I didn't have a good level of confidence and the feeling with the car wasn't perfect. We made some changes in service and the second loop of stages were much better; but I still don't have as much experience as the other drivers on tarmac and this is something I must remember. I am looking forward to the famous stages tomorrow but still concentrating on not making any mistakes."

[Speaking in the mid-day service] “The stages were very fast this morning and we just didn't have the confidence in the high speeds – with minus three temperatures and ice on the road its not good for the comfort level. The feeling wasn't great today on the cold roads so we will talk to the engineers and make some changes for this afternoon.”


Matthew Wilson [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT]:

"I have really enjoyed today and I finished in quite a good mood. I am getting more and more confident each stage and this means I am starting to use the car and tyres much better. We are learning to keep more heat in the tyres in the damp and dirty conditions. I'm looking forward to the stages tomorrow and I think they will throw up some surprises of a different nature."

[Speaking in the mid-day service] “I am starting to get more confident now and the feeling with the car is much more positive. We had a good few stages this morning. The middle stage felt really good and it was probably the most difficult which is promising. This morning's stages have been fast, very fast, and quite a bit icy in places so it just reminds you that this event can catch you out very quickly indeed.”


Khalid Al Qassimi [BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT]:

“We had some brake problems this morning and they returned this afternoon. The brake pedal was pumping up and this again didn't help with the confidence to push. Michael [Orr – my co-driver] and I had to bleed the brakes between each of the stages but we made it to the end of the day and I am sure the team will be able to repair the car for tomorrow's stages. I'm still here and learning all the time."

[Speaking in the mid-day service] "This morning was very tricky. I had little confidence in the conditions and was working to build it. The grip levels were constantly changing and that made things difficult. I had a half-spin in the last of the three stages and thought I would be able to just drive over the kerb. However, there were trees next to the road so I had to turn around. As the engine was hot, it stalled several times and we lost around 20-30 seconds."





Notable retirements: