Ari Vatanen: “In my conduct, I am sincere, I do not calculate”

I'm sorry for the half hour delay, the alarm sound was too low! What's your name ?

Medhi! But that doesn't matter, I was able to read the road book, you have to go to the Château de Rambouillet (Yvelines).

Poor Medhi, my poor Medhi! That's not very professional of me. We're going to put on some heat. I admire vintage car enthusiasts, I can't drive without the comfort of current cars.

Are you used to BMWs?

I have already ridden for this brand in competition, even if it was rare! I competed in the 1000 Lakes in 1988 on an M3 Group A prepared by Prodrive. I gave up due to a broken steering rod. On ice, I took part in the 24 Hours of Chamonix and the Andros Trophy on a Silhouette M3 as well.

However, for the majority of our readers, your name rhymes with Peugeot !

The 205 was a hell of a number! It's a car that left its mark. I was not aware that the Group B period was going to become legendary. I experienced the 1980s like I was on a roller coaster ride. As soon as I rode the T16 in 1983, I knew it was going to work. However, I was warned: “ The French are difficult to be around, they don't speak English. » I knew Jean Todt well (then boss of Peugeot Talbot Sport. Editor's note), then I met Jean-Claude Vaucard (Chief Engineer. Editor’s note) and mechanics. There was something in the air. It was intangible, like a kind of silent confidence. I was sensitive to it.

Did you already speak French?

No not at all. The only mechanic who spoke English was the Portuguese Carlos Barros. Todt, Vaucard and the others went to get their English from school for me. (Laughs) It was only in 1990, when I moved to France, that I really learned this language.