Sandell expects to fly on Azores gravel

Patrik Sandell plans to show his true pace when the Intercontinental Rally Challenge resumes in the Azores this week.

The ŠKODA Sweden driver has never competed in the Portuguese archipelago before but says his preference for driving on gravel will boost his chances of a strong result on Sata Rallye Açores, which gets underway on Thursday (14 July), despite a frustrating start to his IRC campaign.

“The rallies on Tarmac have not been good for me but on gravel it will be a different story,” said the 29-year-old. “I have no knowledge of the stages but I have a good starting position [of sixth] for the first day and that could really help me. I believe absolutely I can win this rally.”

Sandell, who will be co-driven by experienced Swede Staffan Parmander, is due to test his JM Racing-prepared Fabia Super 2000 the island of São Miguel today (Monday). He also drove a Group N car near to his home in Sweden last week to practice driving on gravel again.

After two appearances in the IRC this season, the ex-Junior world champion is equal 18th in the drivers’ standings.