Exclusive interview with Meeke: “For me, is it still time or already too late? »

Kris Meeke's career in rally does not lack jolts. On the sidelines of his victory at the Legend Boucles de Bastogne with a Ford Escort MkII, the Northern Irishman spoke at length to AUTOhebdo on his moods and his delicate situation in rallying.

The man with five World Championship successes (WRC) n’a pas été conservé par le Toyota Gazoo Racing en 2020. La faute à un jeu de chaises musicales, déclenché par Ott Tänak’s time at Hyundai last fall. 

>>>Read the full itw in AUTOhebdo<<

« The events followed one another without the slightest discussion because of the way the “affair” took place. Thank you » to suddenly develop. It broke out during the Rally of Spain. It would be a lie to say that I wasn't disappointed, but to say that I was surprised...

When we have a realistic and global vision of the situation of the WRC driver market, What could I do to change the situation? I swallowed the snake. »

Kris Meeke, aged over 40, knows full well that the age barrier counts more and more when signing an official contract. “Tänak has been in the WRC, in a WRC, since 2012. Neuville Also. Today, they are 31 or 32 years old! I was always aware of it: for me, getting to rally in my life was going to be a challenge. 

I was always going to be on a tightrope. In the back of my mind, I always knew that, one day, my age would work against me. It happened. When I found myself at the controls of a car identical to that of Tänak, he dominated me. He was faster and more consistent. These last two years he has been incredible! »

A good player and pragmatist, the former Citroën driver took a step back at the start of the year, unlike other comrades. “I haven’t explored any avenues. As soon as Citroën’s withdrawal was announced, I understood that this was not looking good. I spoke with Jari-Matti (Latvala).

He told me he was willing to pay to drive a Toyota. It’s Latvala! This year, Lappi is paid by Citroën (who owed him a year's contract. Editor's note). It's free. Paying to promote products sold by others is not part of my ego.

The steering wheels whose holders are paid having all been taken, if I was no longer worth enough to be one of these privileged people – who I am not saying they do not deserve it – what is the point of insisting? I didn't try anything.

However, the IRC champion in 2009 does not admit defeat. “‘Never say never,’ they say. Ogier claims his season is his last. This could reshuffle the cards. »