Andersson rules out bid for overall victory

P-G Andersson says the performance differential between his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, which conforms to traditional Group N regulations, and the pacesetting Super 2000 cars will rule out a push for victory on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna this week.

The 30-year-old Swede will make his Intercontinental Rally Challenge debut on the gravel event, which will feature four stages shown live on Eurosport.

“We have no target from our team, only to try to be as competitive as possible and reach the finish,” said Andersson. “Maybe we can put in some good times but to beat the Super 2000 cars in my Group N car will be too much to ask. We are 200kgs heavier, which is a huge difference in weight. In some stages we can be close when it’s fast and flowing but it will be difficult in other stages. Because of the weight we have to brake earlier for the corners and the brakes are a lower specification so the main target will just be to win Group N.”

Andersson will carry the number five on his JRM-run Lancer. Anders Fredriksson will co-drive.