Step 1: pilots’ declarations

Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Fiesta S2000, 1st) : " This rally depends on tire choices. The car is handling well and it?s fantastic to lead the rally. But here, a 40-second advantage means nothing. Everything can be turned upside down at any time. We opted for a combination of snow tires and intermediates in the second loop and it seemed to work well. Having the right information to make the right choice is also crucial! We didn?t touch the car much and I tried to drive carefully. Will we have to do the same during the next two stages? »

Kris Meeke (Peugeot 207 S2000, 2rd) : “We did three good stages out of four. If I had been told before the start that I would be second this evening, I would have signed straight away. I keep the championship in mind. Unlike me, Hirvonen or Ogier have nothing to lose here. This morning we lost 40?? in 20 kilometers. I lost confidence after hitting slippery asphalt. Without that, I would be very close to the leader. »

Juho Hanninen (Skoda Fabia S2000, 3nd) : ?I chose the same tires for both loops, but it didn?t really work well. This afternoon, the conditions were worse than in the morning, but we did not have snow everywhere. It's always a matter of compromise and I don't think I made a bad choice. I am very happy to be in this position tonight. When you fight against someone like Mikko Hirvonen, you have to remember that he is one of the best rally drivers in the world. »

Nicolas Vouilloz (Skoda Fabia S2000, 4th) : “The day went by? reasonably well. We are lacking a little speed, we should be able to increase the pace a little without taking more risks. Today's stages were new, unlike those of tomorrow (Thursday)? We took a gamble in the first special, opting for soft tires at the front and snow-type thermo-rubbers at the rear. It was not ideal. In the fast sections, the car went into acquaplanning, I lost confidence. For the second loop, we also put soft slicks at the rear. It was the right choice, but the soggy sections and the changes in the surface made me lose my rhythm. »