Mille Miglia : Citroën Sport - PreviewSimon Jean-Joseph and his co-driver Jack Boyère will drive a PH Sport-prepared Citroën C2 Super 1600 on the 2007 Rally 1000 Miglia.
The Lombardy-based event marks the start of the 2007 European Rally Championship. The stages
take competitors high into the mountains near Lake Garde, to the north of Brescia, and offer a cocktail of steep climbs, fast descents and countless hairpin bends.
Simon Jean-Joseph is delighted at the prospect of competing once again in the ERC after claiming the 2004 crown. "It's great to be back in this championship," he enthuses. "I am also thrilled to work with Citroën Sport and Ph-Sport."
The Italian event is not new to the Martinique-based Frenchman. "The Mille Miglia is a great event which takes place to a fantastic backdrop and I love the atmosphere. The stages are very mountainous. The roads are also quite narrow and dirty, and tough on the brakes too. You've got to be on your toes all the time, and that's exactly what I like."
Simon's first outing with the Citroën C2 Super 1600 promises to be something of a learning curve for him. "As is the case every year," he explains, "this event boasts a high quality entry of experienced drivers in four-wheel drive cars. Following the positive testing I've done, this event will give me a chance to familiarise myself with both the team and the car."
The objectives that Simon, Citroën and PH Sport have set themselves are accordingly down-to-earth. "In theory, this type of terrain and the entry list do not play in our favour. My objective is to finish in the points, win the S1600 category and show the potential of the Citroen C2 S1600. Perhaps I will even be able to post a few quick stage times if I see the chance."
Simon's thoughts are echoed by Citroen Sport's Customer Competition Manager Yves Matton: "We know it won't be easy to win here in normal circumstances. We will try to be consistent and come away with some points. Along with our partners Total and BFGoodrich, our intention is to promote our models in places the WRC doesn't visit. Italy is one of the countries where we have the highest number of Citroën C2 Super 1600s competing. Through Simon Jean-Joseph's programme, we are looking to showcase the potential of our C2 S1600 complete with all the very latest technical evolutions."
In addition to the reliability and speed of the Citroën C2 S1600, Simon will also be able to benefit from the experience of PH Sport which has been running this car since 2004. "We know Simon well," says PH Sport boss Bernard Piallat, "although so far we have always been rivals. Today, however, it is our pleasure to work with a driver who is known for his professionalism and talent. His C2 will be equipped with all the very latest refinements available from the Citroën Sport Boutique."
