Three questions to Sébastien Ogier

One of your objectives this year was to fight for podium places – and you’ve already achieved that on the second round in Mexico. Were you surprised by this performance?

In 2010, we wanted to regularly aim for the top five and maybe fight for podiums on the events that we already knew a bit. So third place in Mexico, an event that we have got past experience of, is an excellent result. Things are still not perfect and we need to keep on working hard, but our results at the start of the season have been very encouraging. There’s no reason for us to change our driving style. I’ve got more and more confidence with the Citroën C4 WRC thanks to the experience we have built up over the course of all the rallies so far.

As was the case in Mexico, you have already participated in Jordan once before with a C2 Super 1600. Does that give you an advantage?

I don’t think that having taken part in the rally just once before with a C2 Super 1600 is really a determining advantage. But let’s just say that our lack of experience compared to the other drivers will be less obvious, as they have only taken part in the event once with a WRC car. In any case we will be taking fresh pace notes from scratch, as myself and Julien’s system of notes has evolved considerably since then.

What’s your objective going to be in Jordan?

We’re not going to change anything in the way we approach every rally. The plan is to gain experience on all types of different terrain. The ideal would be to fight for a podium but a top five result would be very satisfactory as well. It’s important to make progress step by step. Jordan has some very specific characteristics. In 2008, it was very hot. The route is extremely challenging, and you need excellent pace notes. For all these reasons, the key thing is to take away as much experience as possible.