WRC
Central Europe – Pierre-Louis Loubet: “The exercise promises to be interesting”
Pierre-Louis Loubet hopes to get a good result for his last race in 2023 with the Puma (Photo: DPPI/Sophie Graillon)
What did the route inspire you after watching the organizers' videos?
(Laughs) It's really very quick and not particularly technical. There are still some demanding areas, because they are very tortuous in the undergrowth where it will not be easy. Looking at the images that have been provided to us, it is difficult to really differentiate between the three countries where we will be playing. It is always difficult to get a real idea of the state of the road, but it seemed to me that it was much smoother than what is there in Barum for example.
And what did you think of the grip?
That doesn't sound amazing. Will it be as marked as in Croatia? We will see it during the reconnaissance. If it doesn't rain, it will be a rally nice. If it deteriorates, it will be very complicated.
Do you find that position on the road can play a role?
Everything will depend on the weather. If it stays dry, I don't think so. What would be good is if the organizers put up stakes to mark off the ropes. I also noticed the presence of numerous chicanes to slow us down. It must be said that there are sometimes stretches of land more than a kilometer long. This can happen just before a hard breakout. We will have to be vigilant. This is going to be an interesting exercise.
How did your test session go where you were able to discover your new co-driver?
Benjamin and I had never ridden together before. It went really well. He knows the system, he has experience at this level. I was quite happy with this aspect. I had a very good feeling with the car. I think we have made good progress on this surface. It's really not bad and it's satisfying. I hope I feel good with it during the race.
What will be your ambition this weekend?
Given the current situation, we will have to be careful. I'm not going to say that the objectives are no longer at the same level, but it is certain that we must try to have a clean rally.
ALSO READ > The program for the 2023 Central European Rally
Loïc ROCCI
Journalist specializing in rallying past, present and future... and with a southern accent
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