Unlike most of your rivals in the world championship, you’re starting your season in Sweden. Is the lack of competition a handicap ?
“Holidays are pretty good too ! Between testing, prize-giving and promotions I’ve not had enough time to get bored since we last saw each other in Cardiff ! I’m happy that I was able to take a breather, but the two days practice I did in Sweden got me back into the swing of things. Now I can’t wait to be at the start of the first special.”
What about the rally ? As the winner of the last winter rally do you think you’re the favourite ?
“The conditions will be very different to those of the 2008 event. Snow’s fallen on frozen gravel, the temperature hasn’t risen above zero and the snow hasn’t been transformed into a layer of ice. We’re faced with a layer of powdery snow covering frozen earth so the grip level is going to keep on changing. It’s a bit like Russian roulette, and I’d really prefer a good layer of ice with constant grip. I don’t think I’m the favourite, as the Finns will feel much more at home than me. But you just have to keep it between
the hedges !”
You’re aiming for a seventh consecutive world title. Did the way the second half of the 2009 season panned out change your approach ?
“Since I lost the title by one point (in 2003) I’ve always applied the same logic. Every point is vital when you want to win a championship as difficult as the WRC. The way things went last year only confirmed this viewpoint. This being said, when Lady Luck deserts you, there’s nothing you can do ! With this season about to begin I’m still in the same frame of mind as last year. I’ll start every rally with the intention of winning it.”
