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Pressures fall on other drivers
Rovanperä humble before Rally Mexico
Rovanperä can be sure of having enough challenges in his opening of the current WRC season, as not only is it going to be the Peugeot 307’s first appearance on gravel but there is also a range of new regulations to follow, including a limited number of tyres, the absence of gravel note crews and a compact five-day format.
Pressures fall on other drivers
Harri Rovanperä has carefully tested the Peugeot 307 WRC in Italy, in both Sardinia and Tuscany, in February.
- The car’s performance on gravel has improved but its real potential can only be found out while competing, in Mexico. I hope we can go as fast as the others, Rovanperä formulates his reply when asked about the capacity of the new car.
Harri wants to hold back those who consider him the favorite of Rally Mexico.
- Every time I take the start in a rally, I aim at top positions, of course, but when it comes to Mexico, there’s no point in getting too excited too early.
One of the media had put the words “I’ll try to win in Mexico” in my mouth, but that is not exactly what I have said. Naturally I hope the car won’t fail and that we’ll be able to put in a flawless drive.
Regulation changes give extra flavor
According to the new regulations, 60 tyres of two different types per crew can be reserved for each rally, and 30 among them can be used during the rally.
- We have had to make the choice of tyre compounds and cuts one month prior to the rally, even if we can only have guesses about the climatic conditions in Mexico from March 12th to 14th. Another change for us is that, unlike for a long time, we won’t have a gravel note crew in Mexico, so there are a number of new things, besides the new car, to be considered, Rovanperä told.
The programme of the rally has been compressed into five days, but there’s yet plenty to do for an entire week.
- On Monday, we’ll have a couple of meetings and then some PR occations on Tuesday. Wednesday is reserved for taking the pace notes and on Thursday, after the reconnaissance, there’s still a tight schedule ahead. First the shake down, and then Harri has also a FIA press conference and some other official functions, until the ceremonial start takes place at 9 pm. The competition extends over three full days, which will keep us busy enough, Risto Pietiläinen describes the programme of Rally Mexico.
- The route comprises two stages that we know from before, and there are sections of road familiar to us on other stages, about a half of the total stage kilometers being the same as in 2002, Pietiläinen calculates.
Crew in good shape
Recently, Harri Rovanperä and Risto Pietiläinen have wanted to concentrate merely on testing, on their personal fitness training and on Rally Mexico.
- Let’s drive Mexico and New Zealand first before talking about any possible continuation of this season’s programme, Rovanperä said clearly.
Harri has kept on doing physical exercise even during the break in competing.
- Now I’ve had time for cross country skiing and there has been enough snow even for snow mobiles. Besides the gym and ball games, I have been doing nordic walking, ie with sticks, which is a surprisingly effective form of exercise, Rovanperä reveals his fitness programme with enthousiasm.
Harri is in good physical condition and his whole being radiates sound self-confidence and a balanced state of mind.
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