Burkart ready for Germany chance

Local hero Aaron Burkart says his preparations for ADAC Rallye Deutschland have gone to plan.

The German driver is making his debut in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC for the M-Sport Stobart operation, which will mark his first appearance in the World Rally Championship since he captured the Junior title in Spain last October.

“Everything has gone well,” said the 28-year-old. “The recce was fine but it was the first time doing a recce in a Volvo car, which is very soft and high. We have done two races in a Super 2000 car so I hope the pace notes will be okay because obviously the power is a lot more. To be honest we will see on Sunday afternoon if it’s correct or not.”

Prior to the recce, Burkart and co-driver Andre Kachel completed a one and a half day test in Germany, covering approximately 180 kilometres in same Fiesta he will use on the Tarmac round.

“It was good but of course it could have been good if it was much longer although I will not complain,” said Burkart, who is targeting a points finish in Germany. “I was very happy with what we did and it was very nice to work with the guys on the technical side. They gave me good support and all the data I wanted to know and never said there was something I could not do.”

Burkart is part of the four-strong M-Sport Stobart line-up in Germany but said he hadn’t been able to glean much information from his team-mates.

“They say to me you are the driver so your feeling is important,” said Burkart. “But I tried also to speak to Jari-Matti [Latvala] to get some input and he told me some things.”

Burkart was 16th fastest in shakedown. He will start today’s first stage 19th on the road.