Caution key for newcomer Araujo

Armindo Araujo is planning a cautious approach to his first Philips Rally Argentina, round five of the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia.

The WRC Team MINI Portugal driver has never tackled the South American event before. With this year’s rally particularly demanding due to the expanded competitive distance, Araujo is wary of the challenge ahead.

“I have talked to many drivers and with my engineer, who had told me that it is a fantastic rally, very tough, very fast, a great challenge for drivers and cars,” Araujo told rallyargentina.com.

“We have the longest stage of the championship at 66 kilometres and it’s going to be very hard for the drivers and the cars, and we will have to take care of the tyres and we will have to be very intelligent in every stage. I think we’re prepared to do it well.”

Araujo’s need to be cautious increased following the three-day reconnaissance, which he and co-driver Miguel Ramalho completed on Wednesday evening.

“The stages are very fast and hard for the tyres,” said the double Production Car world champion. “It’s going to be hard but generally speaking it’s very beautiful. The aim for all competitions this year is to finish in the top 10 and it would be fantastic to finish in this position.”