Mattéo Chatillon: “In Sweden, you are always through the doors and it’s great!”

You were doubtful about participating in this event, but finally you are here!

The team did a huge job. They worked like crazy to put a car back together. It was tight…even to get to Umeå. It’s never very reassuring to know that the car is still on the jack stands a few days before the start. We’ll try to get a good result for them.

What did you think of the route during the reconnaissance?

I think that for our discovery of Sweden, we have fallen well! The specials are superb and the conditions are ideal with the ice, blue sky, sun and walls of snow that will be able to help us… we will try not to use them too much, because they are icy and therefore very solid.

Did you find it complicated?

It's both very fast and very technical. I expected it to be more difficult to take notes. With the use of polarized glasses, I managed to get a good idea of ​​the contrasts.

Have you had the opportunity to drive the car in these conditions?

We were actually able to do a test session the day before the reconnaissance. It was magnificent. After Finland last year, I said it was a great experience, but I think it's even better on snow and ice.

How do you feel about Hankook tires?  

On this specific terrain, I have no reference point. I have never driven with Michelins or Pirellis and that is an advantage. I don't know what to expect. I find that there is an interesting grip, more lateral than longitudinal. You are always by the doors and it is great! As someone who loves dirt, I am delighted. When I see what we put the tires through in the drifts, it seems to me that they are solid.

What will be your goal this weekend?

During the shakedown, we worked a little more on the car, particularly on the engine settings with different maps to make good starts.

With a joker burned during the Monte-Carlo, what will be your objective this weekend in WRC3?

We are not aiming for a specific result. I am really trying to get away from this pressure after our mistake in the first round, which is never very good. I tell myself that at this stage last year we also had 0 points, so everything is still to do. It is a discovery weekend and we will have to be smart because a lot of people will go very fast. We have to see where we are compared to the others. I do not forget that we also have to enjoy ourselves. If we manage to do that, the contract will have already been fulfilled, because our ambition is to learn various events. The goal is to become professional, so Sweden is an important event to approach.

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