Stohl commends Minor as pair take on New Zealand

Making a welcome return to the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time since 2007, Manfred Stohl says he is relieved to make his debut in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC alongside former co-driver Ilka Minor.

Stohl claimed six podiums in the WRC before focusing his time competing in his home championship driving a gas-powered Mitsubishi Lancer in the Austrian Rally Championship.

“It’s very exciting to be back in the WRC,” said Stohl who has been entered under the Brazil World Rally Team. “It’s a good feeling but I’m also feeling very nervous. Although I think it’s nice to be nervous sometimes, I have not felt that feeling for a long time. I’m lacking confidence at the moment, especially in the fast corners but it will just take some time to get used to the new car.”

Stohl added: “My aim this weekend is to stay on the road but it is very important on my return to the WRC that Ilka is beside me. I trust her and I get a good feeling with her in the car. I have so many other stresses with adapting to a new car that with Ilka as my co-driver it means that I have one less problem.”

Stohl and Minor finished 10th on this morning’s Qualifying Stage, completing the 4.86-kilometre test with a time of 2m37.6s.