Camilli: The general feeling with the car is good

Mads Østberg (6th) said:

“I think we have made quite a good start to what is a very long and difficult rally. There are a lot of new things for us this weekend and even though everything worked really well on the test there is never any substitute for competition.

“We just need to make a few small adjustments inside the car. Ola is doing a great job, but I am not used to hearing Norwegian on the stages – I’m used to Swedish and that is quite a big difference when you are competing at this level.

“Everything will take a little getting used to but I think we managed quite well. We tried to enjoy it as much as possible and I’m happy to have made it through the first day in what is a reasonably good position.”

Éric Camilli (12th) said:

“We could have produced a bit more on the first two stages, but we are here and that is the most important thing. We have some work to do – some little perfections – but I’m confident that we will be able to do that.

“The general feeling with the car is good, but we had a small issue with the down-shift and the set-up was not exactly to my liking for these conditions. We’ve spoken with the team and we will make some small changes during service so I am sure that the morning will be better.

“This was also the first time that Nicolas and I have sat together in competition and I have to say that our partnership is working really well. Tomorrow, I hope that we can push a little bit more to see what is possible.”

Elfyn Evans (4th WRC 2) said:

“It was really unfortunate to get a puncture on the first stage of the rally. I couldn’t believe my luck when I felt it as it happened really early on.

“It was a bit of a risk to drive to the end of the stage – 14 kilometres on a front-left puncture is never going to be easy – but I think that tactic paid off. I took it quite steady to try and minimise the damage and it doesn’t seem to have been any worse for it.

“It wasn’t best start to the weekend, but we had a pretty good run through the second stage. There’s a long way to go, but even with today’s time loss I’m confident that we have the pace to win and that is still our aim.”