Mathieu Franceschi: “We must be realistic and take things in order”

If this is not your first appearance in ERC, however, you will be driving there for the first time with a Rally2. How are you approaching this meeting?

I tell myself that I'm really lucky. In a few hours, I'm going to take the plane when normally I should be working...with my cement mixer! I'm going to do a rally of the European Championship with a Skoda Rally2… it’s crazy! I intend to make the most of every moment.

Were you able to look at any footage from last year? What does this journey inspire you?

All the videos for 2022 were indeed available. This year's program being 85% identical, this allowed us to work a lot on the cameras to try to be as comfortable as possible from the reconnaissance. There is a new special stage and some small changes in the departure or arrival locations. From what I saw, I had the feeling that the surface was quite sandy with areas covered with stones and mud. We take up quite a few portions of the WRC and these are mythical passages. For me, Portugal offers what is closest to what you can find in France. For our first participation, it's ideal. We will not be completely disoriented.

Isn't this lack of novelty something to suit you? On the other hand, will you have more recognition than on land in France?

It is true that compared to those who know we are at a disadvantage, but when you discover something, there is always a moment when you have to take the plunge. In the ERC, there are in fact two passages during the recce, which is more than in France where we do just one lap in the morning. This is why we chose this championship which was educational.

If you leave with the Skoda with which you won the gravel title in France, are you starting this program with a new co-driver?

The car will still be prepared at AMD Motorsport. I am starting to get to know the Fabia well, which unlike 2022 will have all the developments. During the winter, we had to find a navigator, because Lucie Baud, with whom I had been riding for 3 years, preferred to stay in what she mastered. The ERC requires more work before and during the race. Jules Escartefigue is very motivated and a hard worker. We are the same age, the same ambition to reach the highest level possible.

What was your reaction when you discovered the list of registrants?

It's incredible. It's worse than a promotional formula! And the quality is impressive with drivers like Mads Ostberg, Hayden Paddon, Craig Breen…that I always watched on TV. There, I'm going to meet them in the morning at the parc ferme...

Have you thought about bringing your autograph book?

I'm really looking forward to it. Who knows, maybe I'll take selfies with them?

What goal have you set for yourself?

When we see the set and knowing that we have a lot to discover, I believe we have to be realistic and do things in order. First of all, I will try to have as much fun as possible. Then, our goal is to gain experience. This will be useful if we come back next year or if we race Portugal in the WRC one day. To do this, you absolutely must be at the finish. The result will only be a bonus.