Breen before Finland: “I feel confident”

What did you think of the times after the reconnaissance?

The special stages offer perfect conditions with a very compact surface. I would say it’s even almost better than in summer. Traveling on these sections in autumn is an important change, especially for the surrounding nature. We passed through some magnificent places.

Have you forgotten how fast these paths are?

Even though we have been able to race rallies where the speeds are high like the Arctic or Estonia, the roads of Finland have something more. There is this roller coaster effect that we do not find in Estonia and it is certain that we need time to re-acclimatize.

It's time for one of the best rallies of the #WRC calendar, @RallyFinland.

We start recce tomorrow with rally getting underway on Friday, bring it on! #HMSGOfficial pic.twitter.com/eV5701hQkS

— Craig Breen (@Craig_Breen) September 28, 2021

You have just obtained two consecutive podiums in Estonia and Ypres and you have often been very competitive in very fast events. Does this put you among the favorites? Do you feel pressure?

Yes and no ! No more than usual. We didn't manage to win Estonia or Ypres even though we had opportunities. I will start in the same state of mind, trying to aim for the best positions and we will see. We know it won't be easy against Kalle Rovanperä who is in good form and playing at home.

C’est en Finlande que vous avez effectué votre première course avec Hyundai en 2019. Est-ce que ce sera votre dernière apparition avec le team ?

Dani Sordo will be aligned in Spain. As he competed in Monza last year, he will undoubtedly be chosen. So, if you ask me about this year, it’s very possible that it will be my last rally with Hyundai!

They say Italy is God's race track, Finland must be his rally stage!

The stages here are just sensational & after a brilliant pre-event test in the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, we are hoping to make it our most memorable trip to Finland yet! 😉#RallyFinland #HMSGOfficial #WRC pic.twitter.com/5B8YMkPQyQ

— Craig Breen (@Craig_Breen) September 23, 2021

Since 2019, you have gained good experience with the i20 and have often been effective in Finland. What is your initial goal?

It is true that the car has progressed a lot in two years. We have particularly improved on the fast stages where the i20 performs better. The round having been canceled last year, this will be the first rally in Finland with the car in this definition and I am curious to see what we can achieve. Despite all the new things introduced this year in cutting, I feel confident here. I have good experience there and I hope to be able to fight for the podium.