Andreas Mikkelsen aims for a repeat of his maiden FIA World Rally Championship win at the 2016 Rally Catalunya – Rally de España.
The Volkswagen driver is looking to repeat his success of his first WRC win in Salou next week on the mixed gravel/asphalt surface.
Mikkelsen needs to hope that his team-mate Sébastien Ogier finishes fourth or worse and scores no Power Stage points to keep the championship rolling to Wales Rally GB at the end of the month.
The Norwegian said “The Rally Spain is unique and I have fond memories of it. After all, it was there that I celebrated my first victory in the World Rally Championship last year.
“I have few problems coping with the abrupt switch from gravel to asphalt. You have to be wide awake on Saturday morning when the surface changes. I managed that very well last year. However, I would like to be quicker on day one this time than I was last year. I lost too much time to the leaders in 2015.
“This year, I will really put my foot down on Thursday evening in Barcelona and on Friday, in order to avoid falling too far behind early on.
“If I can manage that, I am confident that I can repeat my victory in Spain again this year. That will be fantastic, as I need the points to defend second place in the championship. Victory would be a significant step closer to this goal.”
