Neuville: no need to fight

Team Peugeot Belgium Luxembourg driver Thierry Neuville may be Andreas Mikkelsen´s closest opposition so far in the Canon Meksek Rally, but he insists that he isn´t going to push Mikkelsen for the win.

Neuville was second quickest in both the opening stages and now lies 8.6s behind Mikkelsen overall.

"On the first stage we were a little bit too careful maybe, but we looked at the splits and saw we were in front, so we were okay," said Neuville. "It was only Mikkelsen who pushed hard from the beginning. So far so good!"

"We did some changes on the set-up between the stages and on the second one it was a little bit better. I felt more confident, even in the pace notes. I think there’s still a lot to improve but the rally is still long. We won’t make any more changes in service because we haven’t done the next two stages yet, but for the second loop we will definitely make changes."

Many drivers reported slippery conditions on the opening stages, and also that the speed differential between the race pace and the legal limits permitted during the recce made their pace notes of limited use on the faster sections.

"That’s exactly the case for us. The pace notes are too slow. We’re braking for corners that are nearly flat out. For the second loop it should be better."

"It’s not necessary to push Mikkelsen. I just need to stay on the road, to go to the end, and if we stay in this position it will be a really good result."