Benjamin Veillas: “The Safari remains a hell of a challenge”

Before talking about Kenya, how would you describe your relationship in the car with Sébastien Ogier ? What was your assessment like after Portugal?

I think it's going well. There wasn't much to review. We talked about 2 or 3 points that needed to be improved. The fact is that I am riding with a driver who has been crowned 8 times and who had next to him the one I consider to be the best navigator in the world. They had known each other for 15 years and although having carried out several test sessions with Seb, the stress I experience from running with him is multiplied by 2 or 3. It is obvious even if he tells me that it shall really not. I want to do so well that during the rally There was a decision or two where I got stressed, so Sébastien told me that I had to manage it, that I channel myself. This requires good preparation for the test and the various processes.

How have you spent your time since Portugal?

The break was shorter this time. It just gave me the opportunity to work well in Kenya.

What does Safari mean to you?

First of all, it is a magnificent continent. For me, it is synonymous with freedom and wide open spaces with a very welcoming population. Regarding the rally, I have in mind this photo of a Toyota who jumps with behind Kilimanjaro. They were traveling at 200 km/h on open roads, which seems folkloric today, but it also seemed very difficult to go to the end of this round. It's undoubtedly less complicated, but it's still quite a challenge. Personally, I find it a great experience to participate in this event.

Has the fact of never having played in Kenya changed the way you prepare for it?

Whether it's new or not doesn't make much difference. It is certain that I will be less comfortable than on a Monte Carlo. I'm going to go there earlier than usual in order to really spot everything. For two days with the other co-drivers, we will cover the links which may be a little complicated during the race. I want to immerse myself in the country and understand how the service park works. Julien Ingrassia sent me last year's notes. There are still quite a few identical chronos with a few variations. I received the maps from Toyota and the road books. All this allowed me to make my notes.

Does this seem complicated to note and announce?

Not to be announced particularly, but to note yes because they use words which are not used elsewhere. They were sometimes created especially for Kenya. There is the word “ bomb » which comes up often. I don't remember if there is anything for fesh-fech and I haven't seen anything about animals!

Do you fear the heat in the car?

I've looked at the temperatures we're expected to have and it doesn't look like we're going to experience anything extreme.

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