Croatia: A cautious approach for M-Sport co-drivers

Croatia: A cautious approach for co-drivers M-Sport

Even through a telephone, it is impossible to confuse the two men because their voices are so distinct. By having a very low pitch, with a slight accent, Louis Louka is easily recognizable. “ Since Croatia is on the calendar of the WRC, I didn't miss an edition, He explains. In 2021, I worked with Craig Breen and then I ran there twice with Grégoire. So I know where I am on these stages. » An identical observation drawn up by the man with the singing intonations of Montpellier. “ After my first “year” with Yohan Rossel, we came twice with Adrien », summarizes Coria. Since the changes made by the organizers are minimal, there won't be much to discover. »

Both agree that even though it is an asphalt event, this event is very difficult. “ For co-pilots it's complicated, because it costs a lot, assures the Belgian. If it's dry, it's very fast and there are a lot of details to give, ropes, jumps, bowls, compressions... It's all running non-stop with small turns that require rhythm. There is also a lot of pollution on the road, which requires a lot of work with the openers on the connections. You must be very focused and it is forbidden to stammer. There's almost no downtime, but that's also why it's exciting. "" This is indeed a round where things go very quickly, confirms Alex, but for me the main factor that will have to be mastered will be tire management. The priority choice for Rally1 will be the softs (soft, Editor’s note) and we can use a maximum of 12 drives (hard, Editor’s note). If you rally turns out to be all dry, it will be very complicated. It's a bit like Monte Carlo. You never have the ideal climb in the right stage. »

Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka have had a troubled start to the 2024 campaign and the Belgian co-driver is aiming for a good result in Croatia (Photo: Nikos Katikis/DPPI).

Authors of a diametrically opposed start to the season, the two M-Sport crews will not tackle this 4^e sleeve with the same objective. “ It's certainly familiar territory in terms of pollution and dirty ropes, recognizes Louka. The uneven aspect, however, is found much less in Belgium. This is one of the events in which we have the most experience with Grégoire. We would have made an exemplary start to 2024, we could say that we have a card to play, but given our first rallies we above all want to have an error-free race. We will approach it humbly. "" For me, Coria projects, the approach must remain the same as we have had since the start of the season. We are 3^e of the championship and we cannot spoil this position by the desire to do more. It would be a shame not to continue to defend our chance in the competition. We count on the good information from Patou Magaud and Pascale to make wise tire choices. We will have to be humble and be able to accept being satisfied with 5^e rank if the risks are too great to aim higher. »

After the Okic shakedown (3,65 km) on Thursday morning from 9:01 a.m., the competitors will face 3 days of racing with 20 special stages representing 283,28 km timed.