The Citroën C4 WRCS are ready for the final combat!

For the first time since 2001, the shakedown for a world championship rally took place on Wednesday. This test session on the Cardiff Bay super stage that will be used on Thursday and Friday (SS1 and SS16), gave the crews the opportunity to cover a few kilometers on asphalt before tomorrow’s start.

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, who are already assured of the world title, are tackling the last round of the season with the same rage to win.

“I always want to win when I start a rally” said Seb. “There are a few nice stages and others that are a bit trickier. I’ve got a positive feeling about this rally after having carried out a good reconnaissance. We’re going to push and see what that gives. The shakedown didn’t help us set up the car; it just gave us the opportunity to see if everything’s working properly and to get into the rhythm.”

Sébastien Ogier has already won two rallies this season, and he’s aiming for second place in the world championship: “It wasn’t really a great shakedown as it took place on asphalt with only a few corners and long periods of waiting. It’s going to be a difficult rally on very quick roads with tricky weather conditions. We may have to control our position, but we can’t afford just to take it easy as there are five or six drivers who can win.”

Dani Sordo has been integrated into the Citroën Junior Team for the final round of the 2010 season, and he too is hoping for a good result in Cardiff: “I like this rally very much. It was soaking wet on the first day of reconnaissance, but the second one was dry. It’s mind-boggling to see how quickly the weather conditions can change. We didn’t have any problems in the shakedown – we’re champing at the bit!”

Finn Kimi Raïkkönen had a test of gravel last week to prepare for this event: “We had a good test even if the conditions weren’t exactly the same. The shakedown on asphalt wasn’t much of a help either. I’m going to do my best and we’ll see how things pan out.”