Meeke: “The victory was built in Ouninpohja”

In the same way as the ES of the Col de Turini at Rally Monte-Carlo or Arganil in Portugal, Ouninpohja is part of the history of WRC. It is this timed sector, contested in reverse on this 2016 edition, which was decisive in the progress of the Rally Finland.

Author of a time allowing him to be 13″ ahead of his main rival Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen), double title holder, the Briton Kris Meeke saw his overall lead increase from 18 to 31″, giving him a margin of very useful maneuver.

Also well helped by his position on the road, Meeke continued through the rest of the event to become the first driver from the British crown to win in Finland. "It's a bit crazy to be honest, Meeke admitted when he got out of the car. It's the temple of rallying here and Ouninpohja is the holy grail of special stages. To win the way we did is incredible. »

This victory constitutes a first achievement for the driver of the DS3 WRC fielded under the Abu Dhabi Team WRT banner, he who will be one of the spearheads of Citroën's official return in 2017 with the future C3.

« For a WRC driver, winning the Rally Finland is the ultimate goal before becoming World Champion, Meeke continues. This victory was built yesterday in Ouninpohja. When the first pass arrived, I didn't know my time but I knew I had driven well. However, I would not have thought to take thirteen seconds from Jari-Matti Latvala!

Last year, in the opposite direction, he “stuck” me six when I already thought I had done a perfect special. This demonstrates the progress made through the combination of working with the team and my experience which continues to grow. I also have to say that the car ran perfectly.

We only did one day of testing, last Sunday, to come to the conclusion that we already had the best setup. I felt confident from the first meter and that was a key element of victory. »

Kris Meeke wins his second rally of the year following his victory on the roads of Rally Portugal in May, the overall result for Abu Dhabi Team WRT being completed by the magnificent podium of Craig Breen.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Rally Finland, produced by our special correspondent, in issue 2074 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.