Miclotte relishing Canarias night stages

Co-driver Frederic Miclotte says he can’t wait to make his Rally Islas Canaris El Corte Ingles debut next month because of his love of night stages.

The island event, round two of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, will feature two tests run under the cover of darkness.

Miclotte, who will navigate Freddy Loix in a Skoda Fabia Super 2000, said: “It is very special being in a car in the dark. It is just me and the driver and you feel completely alone. The headlights we have in the car means it is not difficult for the vision and I have two lights from the roof to read my pacenotes. It is just a fantastic feeling.”

Last year’s Rally Islas Canarias winner, Jan Kopecky, is also a fan of the night stages. He said: “For drivers and for spectators this will be something different and I imagine a lot of the spectators will stay on for the night because the two night stages are run again the next day. It will be a huge celebration for the fans and a great atmosphere I am sure.”