Volkswagen’s Andreas Mikkelsen hopes to increase his lead in the five-way tussle for runner’s up spot in the driver’s championship at the 2016 Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.
After his title challenge ended with a roll at Rally Spain, Mikkelsen’s focus shifted to securing second in the Drivers’ Championship.
However, his accident meant that his lead over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville was dramatically cut and the two are now level on points.
But Mikkelsen will also have to contend with the Hyundai drivers of Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo, as well as his VW team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala. All five drivers are covered by just 23 points.
There are 25 points are on offer for a win, with a further three points up for grabs for the fastest time on the closing Power Stage.
Like Latvala, Wales Rally GB was Mikkelsen’s WRC debut when he tackled the 2006 event in a Ford Focus WRC when he was 17.
He has competed here six times with a best result of third on last year’s event.
While his goal for the rally is to finish ahead of Neuville, Mikkelsen is looking forward to the event reveals in the tricky conditions.
“I always enjoy driving there. I like the layout of the special stages at the Rally Great Britain.
“Driving the Polo at the limit on the muddy, slippery surface is very tricky. Like every year, we will have to be prepared for rain and difficult conditions in Wales.
“The crash in Spain meant I dropped valuable points in the championship and my friend Thierry Neuville has drawn level on points with me in the Drivers’ Championship.
“It is going to be a tough battle with him for second place and we have already had a few great battles with Thierry this season, and Wales will be no different.”
The 2016 Wales Rally GB kicks off the penultimate round of the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship season on Thursday 27 October 2016 and finishes on Sunday 30 October 2016.
