Mattéo Chatillon: “One of my best experiences in rallying”

What did you expect before your first experience in Finland?

Having no knowledge of the terrain, I thought it was going to be very difficult.

So what ?

Finally, I have rarely felt so good on a rally. For several months, I have been working with Patrick Magaud and we now have a rating system which is much more precise than in the past and which works very well in all circumstances. The challenge on these roads was to be able to project what it would be like in the race. When during the reconnaissance you move at 70/80 km/h, you have to imagine that we then did sections at an average of more than 125 km/h... The conditions were made even more complicated by the showers. It was very slippery...but I like the rain, because it adds spice and that's where you can tell the difference.

What did you like about Finland?

The fluid side of the specials. The terrain is really not very breakable, which allows you to attack in a liberated manner. It's pure piloting. There are also these monstrous bumps, with adrenaline rushes and curved passages that you don't find anywhere else. The sensations are indescribable. For a crew, that’s sick! I tell myself that after having competed in Finland, you find that the other events are easy. It’s one of my best experiences in rallying. I was feeling upset the whole time we were riding... well certainly, a little less so at the end.

What happened in this SS14?

I honestly thought we were going to get through this. When I realized we were going to land on the left, I instantly turned my wheels. We weren't far from the road, maybe 30 cm and that could have done it, but in the grass there was a big rock that threw us into the air and from there it was over, we were passengers. It was violent, but as we rolled over there was no huge shock. We are more affected morally than physically. The car finally stopped. If she had been able to drive, we would have left, but she had suffered too much. The spectators were very responsive. They put us back the right way and we were able to go out my door.

Until then could you envisage the podium in WRC3?

What's annoying is that we decided to keep a margin. For the first time, I didn't want to get trapped. So I kept some under my feet. However, I felt really good during this weekend and if I had had to push harder to get a place or secure one, it was possible. This is a small mistake that has serious consequences. This demonstrated once again what we have often heard in Finland, that there is no margin for error.

How does the sequel look?

We returned and life returned to normal. I returned to work… my mind turned to the next deadlines. Both Maxence and I were not frightened by the accident. I can't wait to get back in the car. We have ordered a body and the team will rebuild one with the ambition of racing the Heart of France (September 28-29) and then lining up for the Central Europe Rally (November 17-20).