WRC drivers dread Saturday

Wales Rally GB is one of the toughest events on the calendar WRC. But in this formidable event, the second stage constitutes the sensitive point of the weekend. The drivers will have to cross sections on asphalt with a set-up configured for loose earth, which will be extremely slippery with humidity.

The morning will begin with the Radnor special, a winding forest course which has not been used for more than ten years. This special precedes Monument Hill, which of the 10,14km course, offers one kilometer on asphalt. But the following SS seems even more difficult, with 11,15km of hard surface over the 25,14km course.

The Ford drivers, who hope to end the season with an exploit, fear the difficulty of this stage at the heart of the event. “ It's going to be really very slippery when we go on asphalt », confirms Jari-Matti Latvala, who is fighting for second place in the Championship currently occupied by Sébastien Ogier.

The Ford driver will try everything to make up for the 11 points behind the Citroën driver, but the task will not be easy on this tricky course. “ The goal will be to keep the car on the road. If the weather gets foggy, it will get really difficult. In addition, organizers placed obstacles near the turns to prevent drivers from cutting. I think some people will get tricked... »

His teammate Mikko Hirvonen has nothing left to play for other than victory. If the Ford driver would like to end his season on a positive note, the Finn does not seem to appreciate the Saturday route, and more particularly the Radnor special. “ It?s not very pretty. I think there are other, much better roads in the forest to take. There's lots of mud, and it will be even worse when the rally will begin. »

Another important factor to take into consideration: tires. The risk of punctures will be high on this muddy course full of traps, as confirmed by Matteo Braga, Pirelli WRC engineer. “ Saturday's stages have a particularly loose surface due to mud caused by recent rains, and the cold will prevent the mud from drying. Loose pavement can also increase the risk of punctures and expose more stones and other similar hazards, particularly when cars cut corners. So it will be important for everyone to be careful here. »