Benjamin Veillas: “I’m going there with great enthusiasm”

How did you fill this period of interruption? Is the WRC have you missed since Monte-Carlo?

It was indeed a very long time, but I knew that from the start so there were no surprises. If I remained in regular contact with Sébastien (Ogier, Editor's note), I finally cut everything a bit, not even looking too closely at the progress in Sweden or Croatia. I took the opportunity to maintain myself, to work occasionally in my father's company. This break also allowed me to get back into golf, because in recent years I was less diligent. I already played with Sébastien last year in Belgium and I have no hope of being well ahead of him in our next games! Finally, I started preparing the rally from Portugal and I am very happy that it is starting again.

How does this materialize?

The course being almost identical to that of 2021, I asked Julien (Ingrassia, Editor's note) to send me the notes which allowed me to start working on them. I watched on-board cameras to get a little feel for the rhythm.

During your test day, did it take time for you and Sébastien to get back on track?

Not really. We went back and forth to make sure everything was in place and off we went. It may not have been the knife between the teeth, but the tempo was immediately good. I adapt quickly, it was as if I had left the car the day before so there were no problems. It's been a great day. Sébastien was very relaxed and visibly happy to get back into the Yaris. I remember the sessions we did last year where without saying that he was going backwards, we felt that there was weariness in him. There, in Portugal, he never stopped smiling and we worked beyond the agreed time.

From your seat, have you been able to see if the car has evolved a lot since Monte-Carlo?

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No not at all. Compared to what I knew on gravel with a WRC, I have the impression that it is a little heavier and that it rolls more. It takes slightly more in turns, but it remains minimal. In terms of power or changes on the controlled bridge side, I don't know how to measure the difference. What I am certain of, however, is that the team is working hard and that the car will improve further between now and the end of the season.

Is this a round that you are starting to know well?

This will indeed be my 5^e participation. Along with Monte-Carlo and Sardinia, it is one of the World Cup events that I have competed in the most. I go there calmly and with great enthusiasm. I'm happy to be at the start and confident.