Q&A with Robert Consani

Competing under a Ukrainian licence and flying the country’s flag on the side of his Renault Mégane RS, Frenchman Robert Consani will be chasing glory in both the IRC Production Cup and IRC 2WD Cup

What preparations have you done for the Prime Yalta Rally?

“I’ve not been able to do much in terms of testing because we only have a small budget and also it’s quite a complicated event logistically because we go to the Ukraine straight from Czech Republic. We are starting off slowly, trying to understand the terrain and hopefully we will speed up from there.”

What knowledge do you have of the stages?

“I have watched some in-car videos of Thierry Neuville on YouTube and from looking at these it looks like quite a complicated rally with a risk of punctures.”

How important is a strong result following your retirement in Zlín?

“I was very, very disappointed because my co-driver Nicolas Klinger and I had been leading from the start when we had the engine sensor problem and retired. But it doesn’t put any pressure on us to win. However, it does mean I don’t have the possibility to make any mistakes. The object from the start of the year was to win and we showed in Zlín we could be leading. That gives me the confidence that I know I can do it but I have to understand the rally as well.”

You carry the flag of Ukraine on your car. Why is this?

“It’s just for my licence but I must say I have to thank my fellow IRC driver Oleksiy Tamrazov. He has really helped me with some logistical arrangements. If I get a strong result in Ukraine then it’s thanks to him for the help he has given me.”

How would you describe your season so far?

“It’s mixed. We’ve had some good performances but some bad luck as well. I’m happy that I’ve been able to make some progress with the Mégane and it’s shown some good speed when the terrain and weather conditions are right. On the other hand I’m disappointed that some bad luck means our global results are not necessarily a good reflection of the hard work we have done and the potential we have.”