Loubet and Tänak begin testing for Monte-Carlo

With the application of the new regulations concerning testing, the teams of the WRC did not carry out their usual preparation for Monte-Carlo. For the 91^e edition, they all decided to only ride in January a few days before the event. M-Sport got the ball rolling by setting up on a section of road not far from Veynes (05).

For the first tests of the season, the public was numerous (Loïc Rocci)

In front of a large number of spectators, Pierre-Louis Loubet gave the real kick-off to the season. At the end of several series of round trips interspersed with visits to the tent where the mechanics were able to resume their habits around the Puma, the Frenchman gave his impression: “ It's very pleasant to be in the cabin of this car, he smiled. It's not long since I competed in my last event since we took part in the Hivernal du Dévoluy in the region in December, but it was on a Rally2. This is something completely different! This Rally1 really rocks! » If the young Corsican knew what to expect after having already raced 7 rallies in 2022, it was on the other hand completely new for Nicolas Gilsoul. “ I think I'm going to talk with Pierre-Louis so that we can review his notes. With the boost, the distances between turns have become even shorter... I won't have time to say everything, he half-joked. This surprised me. How it grows! » On a road where the humidity stood out and which ended up getting dirty with each passage, the Franco-Belgian crew was able to carry out the planned program, displaying the same satisfaction on each return to base, Gilsoul still pointing out an installation perfectible: “ I am higher than Pierre-Louis, he said. We need to see what we can improve ».

Obviously the half-day went well for Pierre-Louis Loubet and Nicolas Gilsoul (Loïc Rocci)

While it displayed erratic reliability during testing last year, the Puma was more solid this time around. Two slight alerts immobilized her for a few minutes, but nothing serious. It was during one of them thatOtt Tänak and Martin Järveoja arrived on tiptoe. A small smile accompanied by a nod to familiar faces, a few high fives from mechanics with whom he had previously worked and the Estonian immediately began a discussion with the two Reiger technicians who were present. During a break, Järveoja approached the cockpit to inspect it. “ I haven't gotten in yet, he slips. It's not always easy for co-drivers with these new cars. Let's see how it is in the Puma… »

The half-day allocated to Pierre-Louis Loubet ended in the same good atmosphere. The mechanics then made the usual changes and checks. The battery was recharged, four new Pirelli tires were fitted and Ott Tänak took his very first laps in the Ford. Needing to get his bearings with the Puma, the Estonian increased the number of long runs, requesting modifications until the 18 p.m. curfew fell. With him, it's difficult to decipher what he thought during those few hours, but the basis didn't seem bad. He will have another opportunity to improve his adaptation when he races the Ford again on Monday. In the meantime, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Nicolas Gilsoul will have all day Sunday to perfect their smiles.

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