IRC Acores preview : The expectations

Juho Hanninen (Finland), Skoda Fabia S2000: "I prefer gravel rallies so from that side I am excited. But it’s a rally where you have to be quite precise and patient because the stages are narrow in places and it is easy to lose a wheel from your car. We haven’t tested the Fabia Facelift so much on gravel but there is no reason why we won’t be on the right level."

Bruno Magalhaes (Portugal), Peugeot 207 S2000: "I know this rally well and won it in 2008. It’s a technical rally, very narrow and fast in places. I will try for a podium but there are some other guys in the IRC who are very fast so it will be difficult. At least I can take some motivation from the crowd who will be waving the Portuguese flag to support me."

Kris Meeke (United Kingdom), Peugeot 207 S000: "It’s an event I feel quite comfortable on and obviously enjoyed last year because we won. You have to be very disciplined because there is little over a width of the car between the stone walls. On gravel grip is always progressive and it’s easy to push the limit, slide wide and touch a wall."