The Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team head to the island of Corsica for round 11 of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship, the Tour de Corse, aiming to build on their impressive history on this event. The team have won six of the last ten Corsican rallies run in the WRC and their drivers Kris Meeke and Mads Ostberg come into the weekend with a point to prove.
Meeke took third place in Australia ending a run of bad form and will be hoping to build on that performance on the tarmac stages of Corsica. The Northern Irishman has expressed his content with the new format, which will see the Tour de Corse contested over nine long stages, and Meeke is keen to get the event started.
“From what I have seen of the route, the roads should be less typically Corsican in most places than they are around Ajaccio.” said Meeke, “Although there are still a few narrow, bumpy sections elsewhere, the stages are wider, on the whole. And that just makes me even keener to get started because I love driving on tarmac.
“There are only nine stages, but they are very long and the weather could influence the outcome of the race. Our pre-event testing will give us the chance to define the set-up and work on the tyres. I am going to try to drive at my own pace and, if things goes well, we should be in a position to fight for a place on the podium.”
Mads Ostberg was forced to withdraw from Rally Australia following a pre-event accident so the Norwegian comes to Corsica eager to make up the points. The Citroen driver has outperformed Meeke this season despite the Northern Irishman securing the team’s only win of 2015 and Ostberg will be looking to defend his position in the championship despite his lack of preparation.
“Ordinarily, before each event, I do physical training, I work on my pace notes and look at on-board footage… This time, all I could do was rest.” said the Norwegian, “To be perfectly honest, I was really bored! Since Monday, I have felt more optimistic, because I have been able to start living normally again. I can drive now. I’m determined and I can’t wait to get back in the car.”
The event kicks off today from the Corsican capital city of Ajaccio. The Checkered Flag will be bringing you extensive coverage throughout the weekend.
