What does Monte Carlo represent for you?
I have a special story with this rally. It has often been beautiful, like in 2015 when I revealed myself to Malcolm Wilson. That's where I took my first steps as an official driver in 2016. I have regularly been at the top of my category and also won in WRC2 in 2020. I have also experienced some big disappointments there. I am happy to be back and I am enjoying being able to drive in this event that is close to my heart. This mixture of emotions makes it a little exceptional in my eyes.
In addition to developing the i20 Rally2 Spec2, you have completed two days of testing. Does this allow you to set off with confidence?
At the start of a Monte-Carlo, I wouldn't use the term "serene"... and then it's only a return to WRC2, not to WRC. You have to know how to stay in your place. I would say that I am in a certain dynamic. It cannot be commanded, but it is in me. All this comes from the 2C team, from Hyundai, from my co-pilot Thibault de la Haye…
Are you satisfied with your preparation?
It went well, but we don't have much feedback on this car in the World Championship. It's not like it won the last ten races in WRC2... That's why I'm not getting carried away. With the small developments, I feel even better in it and what we achieved in the French Championship, with victories and best times everywhere, allows us to believe in it.
Have you had the chance to try out Hankook tires? How do you rate their performance?
I got used to it. We still have a few questions about the studded tires, but we'll see. We all have the same…
What will be your objective during this Monte-Carlo?
I'm setting off with the ambition of performing well, but I'm lacking points of reference. We're going to try to match the pace of the fastest. Today, I'm not sure I'll have it... That's what I'm going to try to assess. I've watched the on-board cameras of the best in the category in previous years and I don't expect to be in front. If we manage to measure up to them, it will be great news for me, the team and Hyundai. I know it won't be an easy task.
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