Andreas Mikkelsen: “I absolutely don’t feel finished”

Your last appearance in WRC dates back to Wales last October. Has this long period of inactivity allowed you to reflect on your situation?

I actually had a lot of time (laughing). Since January, the pilots should have continued… and I should have been forgotten! There, as no one did anything, the fact of not being involved anywhere was not too penalizing. My goal is to be able to compete in rounds this season, but it is difficult to determine where and when.

When you compete in the WRC, how can you manage to return to a “normal” life? How do you compensate for the lack of adrenaline, for example?

I do not have a choice. I have to stay competitive. For this, I have a simulator, a kart in Monaco and one in Oslo (Norway. Editor’s note). This allows me to continue my training. This is certainly not rally, but it's better than nothing.

How do you continue to believe in it?

Although it is true that the last few seasons have been frustrating, I still think that when I am confident with a WRC, I am happy and I can be very fast. I have to find the best solution to compete again with a factory car. It's not easy, because there are few places available. We must hope for the arrival of a new manufacturer. Movements may also occur in the pilot ranks. Sébastien Ogier should be one of those who should leave and we have to work hard to take that place.

À l’issue de la saison dernière, aviez-vous essayé de trouver un volant chez Toyota ou M-Sport ?

I was in contact with these two teams, but there was no follow-up. With the current situation, we will have to see between now and the end of the year if there are opportunities to rent a car and show that I can be fast.

Est-ce qu’aujourd’hui vous faites encore partie de l’équipe Hyundai ?

No, not at all anymore. I no longer have any contract with Hyundai.

When did you realize it was over with Hyundai?

My contract was ending and they had hired Ott Tänak, these were not good indications.

Did you understand the choices made about you?

Most of the time, yes. However, there was Portugal last year where they preferred to line up Loeb even though it was a test on which I had often performed well. Afterwards, on the asphalt, I can understand it, because I didn't like driving this car there. What needs to be realized is that Hyundai was in a great position. They had several very good crews to make their choices. It's sometimes hard to admit, but it's understandable.

What do you say to those who say your career is over?

Ah… I don’t want to talk too much, I prefer to show them behind the wheel of a WRC.

Are you driven by a feeling of revenge?

I am indeed very motivated. I absolutely don't feel finished. I now have a lot of experience. I just need a car that suits me and I can promise I'll fight up front.

Your career will experience a new episode since you have been appointed by Pirelli to carry out the development of the future 2021 tires. This must have reassured you!

Pirelli was spoiled for choice. Jari-Matti Latvala, Kris Meeke and Hayden Paddon were also available. Their proposal made me very happy. It's good for confidence.

How did this go?

We have been in contact since the beginning of the year. This is an excellent opportunity to stay close to the WRC. I am delighted with this responsibility of having to develop tires that will work well.

Is this something you have already done?

Yes, with Michelin and Pirelli too. We had planned to start earlier, but the situation prevented us from doing so. The season is passing, but I'm not worried. With Pirelli having a lot of experience, I am sure that from the start of development, the products will be of a very good level. It will be important not to just focus on which tire will be the fastest. Reliability will also be essential. Today, the tires are being put to the test with the power of the new WRCs. For brittle rounds we must have strong tires.

You will find the Citroën C3 WRC. What memory did she leave you with?

I competed in three informative races with this car in 2017, including Deutschland where we finished 2nd. I loved the feeling on the tarmac. On earth, I think it has evolved too much to talk about it. What is certain is that it will be very, very good to get back into a rally car. It has been so long ! It's time to leave the simulator and karting to get back to reality. I can't wait to put my helmet back on and buckle up. However, we must not forget that I will not be there to show that I am the fastest!

Can this program lead to WRC participations with the C3 this year?

Everything will depend on the feeling. If I have to organize my own appearances for a fee, I have to think about the future by favoring a mount that I can pilot in the future. With the C3, it’s impossible since Citroën is no longer there. I think it will be better to demonstrate what I am capable of with a car that I could use in the coming seasons.