Kris Meeke is aiming to improve on last year’s fifth place finish at the 2016 Rally Catalunya – Rally de España.
The Citroën driver is looking to bounce back from a disappointing result in Corsica last time out, despite winning the last two stages of Tour de Corse, including the rally-ending Power Stage.
This will be the Northern Irishman’s ninth appearance at Rally Catalunya, and is also the site of his first stage win and points finish in the WRC in 2011 with MINI.
Meeke said “I have competed at this rally on many occasions, but my experience of the gravel stages here is limited to two appearances. My aim will be the same as in Corsica: try to find a good rhythm, improve and prepare for 2017.
“Everything has gone pretty well so far this season, because I have been competitive at all the rallies. So I hope that will continue in Spain. I’d be pleased if we get a good result, even if it won’t make any real difference to my season overall.
“Friday’s leg will be difficult to manage. It’s far from certain that I’ll have the best road position: in the morning, the dust tends to hang in the air and the first few cars on the road will also have ten kilometres of tarmac on the Terra Alta stage to make up time.
“After that, driving on the tarmac stages is really similar to being on a race track, with smooth and wide, sweeping roads. It’s exactly the opposite of the roads in Corsica! This rally provides a one-off challenge in the year and I’m very happy to be competing here.”
