Isabelle Galmiche: “Portugal is going to be great! »

How did you experience this long break since Monte-Carlo?

It ended up happening quite quickly. As I have another job on the side, it keeps me very busy. I am also very grateful that my hierarchy allows me to do both. During all these weeks, I watched a lot of stages from Sweden and then Croatia. I was already doing it before, but now I was like “ ah it would have been cool if we were there! »At my level, everything I can do with Seb can only be good.

Is there any special excitement as your 2 approaches^e race with him?

Oh yes completely! (laughing) Since I knew it was going to happen, I'm really looking forward to it. I tell myself that Portugal is going to be great! The earth provides very different sensations. I like both surfaces, but if I were asked to choose, I think I would still opt for asphalt, because it's more violent, we feel the downforce a lot more. Seb still did some crazy things in Monte-Carlo.

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" You made. You were also in the Puma, right? Do you think about it often?

Certainly, but he's still the one who has a better handle on the subject than me in terms of driving. There were places where I thought it wasn't possible to go at that speed... but I loved it. We took stock after the rally with Sébastien and it was positive. I still wanted to review the images to look for what I can still modify or improve in my way of announcing the grades. I think about it often, I have lots of anecdotes in my head.

How did you prepare for this Portuguese rally?

As always, I first collected the specific regulations for the event. Then, I tried to look everywhere to count what has already been done in other years. A priori, it will be very similar to 2021 so I compared with what Sébastien had done in 2019, which allowed me to see what he already knew. That meant he had the notes and the ones that needed to be retaken. It's still good to start with a good base. Then, as I believe what I see, I will study the road books to be sure of the routes. Overall, we will discover a time of 18 km and one of 9 km plus a few portions in two other ES. I will arrive on site on Sunday so that I can go and scout everything on Monday before the start of reconnaissance on Tuesday the 17th.

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Did you know the test? Did the route seem complicated to you?

I had done the rally, but when it was based in Faro in the South (in 2007 and 2008, Editor's note). I had also been there as a spectator in the North and I liked it. There, I found it very beautiful and I am sure that I will enjoy it. I'm super impatient.

How was your test day in the Puma hybrid?

It was important to do it, because it hadn't happened for 4 months. It was my first ride on dirt. I'm impressed with the driver, but it's not really a surprise, but I was also impressed with the car.

What will it be possible to achieve in Portugal?

Doing better than in Monte-Carlo seems difficult to me. It was so magical!