Benjamin Veillas: “We will do everything to win this rally”

Leaning on the barrier demarcating the media zone installed on the Quai desUnis in Monaco, Benjamin Veillas was smiling. The first 8 special stages of the 90^e edition of Monte-Carlo had just been run. To the two contested Thursday evening in the Nice hinterland were added the 6 clashes during the day on Friday. For the Riviera co-driver, it was the right time to take stock of his debut in the seat to the right of Sébastien Ogier.

« Thursday I was a little tense, he reveals. Passing the podium with the No. 1, everyone is looking at you, leaving for SS1 at night… it took me time to relax. The Turini was much better with great moments on the descent. When we left the park on the second day, I was already more relaxed. This does not mean less focused! We had a little scare at the bottom of the Col de la Couillole...luckily there were guardrails, but I think Sébastien chooses his turns well! This perhaps calmed us down in Guillaume (ES4), but it is especially in Entrevaux that there were big variations between what the ushers announced to us and what we encountered because it had melted. We were far too careful. On the first pass, we were stopped. »

Maintaining his smile, the former accountant recounts the rest of his stage. “ During the second round, he continues, even where Simon Jean-Joseph our usher had noticed ice, we still went all out! And it paid off! In the cabin, our understanding is very good. I think he's super relaxed, but that doesn't stop him from being professional and competitive. He wants to win this rally and we will do everything to achieve this. In the car, it's fabulous. There are a few moments that I will remember for a long time. Afterwards, I'm so focused that I have a hard time realizing how much it's tumbling and jumping through the strings... It's difficult to fully appreciate it, because I can't miss a note or I start to stutter! »