Sainz: Finland finish vital for VW duo

Carlos Sainz says it’s vital that Volkswagen Motorsport duo Joonas Lindroos and Andreas Mikkelsen reach the finish of Neste Oil Rally Finland next week - otherwise it will prove to be a wasted outing for the German manufacturer.

Volkswagen is assessing Lindroos and Mikkelsen, who will drive a brace of Skoda Fabia Super 2000s on Rally Finland from 28-30 July, for possible inclusion in their factory world championship squad when it comes on stream from 2013. The firm is also using the event to allow its mechanics to experience working on a WRC round.

Sainz, world champion in 1990 and 1992, is a consultant for Volkswagen Motorsport. He told Wrc.com: “I think it’s very hard to say how they will get on, but if [VW Motorsport director] Kris Nissen has given them this chance then there is a reason for that. I’m sure he will be telling them to get to the end of the rally above all: this is the most important thing because it is not just a test for the drivers but also test for the team and how they work together. So to learn something you must keep going, otherwise it is all a waste of time.”

He continued: “Of course I’m sure the drivers feel a bit of pressure on them but it is the same for all drivers and how they cope with that pressure is part of the assessment. We all go through this when you are given a big opportunity, and I remember this well from when I was a young driver: naturally you want to go fast and show the very best of yourself, but always you must finish and give good feedback. Finding that right balance is the most difficult part of being a rally driver I think.”

Asked what advice he would give Lindroos and Mikkelsen, Sainz added: “My advice would be exactly the same as Kris Nissen would tell them: try to go quickly if you feel comfortable but at the same time the most important thing is to finish. It’s an amazing opportunity that these drivers have and now they must make the most of it.”