Meeke optimistic in Madeira, says Matton

Kris Meeke’s stand-in team chief Yves Matton believes the experience his driver gained from competing in Madeira in 2009 will boost his chances of victory on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

Meeke has admitted he struggled to finish fifth on his debut on the asphalt rally last year but Matton is confident that the Northern Irishman will be able to run higher up the order when the event gets underway this evening.

“He is optimistic and the experience he got from last year made a big difference for his recce because this rally is so specific that his [existing] pacenotes really helped him,” said Matton, who is overseeing the Kronos Racing-run Peugeot UK operation in Madeira in the absence of Marc van Dalen, who has a prior commitment.

“There are a lot of long turns on this rally so it’s very important to always be on the right line,” Matton continued. “But I think he can do well.”