Always something to celebrateManfred Stohl always likes to return to Argentina – which is not only due to the magnificent steaks that are being served in the Cordoba area.
The 34-year-old Austrian of the OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team especially loves the difficult
road conditions of Rally Argentina. With last year's fourth place the OMV driver also has an absolute top result to his account, something that the OMV duo Stohl/Minor hopes to repeat this year even though they'll need their share of luck to accomplish this.
Following the Wales Rally GB, Argentina is already the second rally that Manfred Stohl will compete in for the tenth time. But the OMV driver can find no real advantage in this.
"The rallies are getting ever shorter which means that experience doesn't play such a large part anymore. You have to go full speed and hope that the car perseveres," Manfred explained.
The OMV Kronos Citroen WRT nevertheless has high expectations, especially since the 34-year-old Austrian has always performed very well in Argentina. Last year, for instance, he impressed with the overall best time on the 'royal' special stage 'Mina Clavero' (24.45 km).
"We have proven last year that we can deal with Argentina all right.
It is obviously getting harder all the time to compete with the works cars but we will do our all for a top result," Stohl said.
"And it makes me confident that the Citroen Xsara WRC has always been at the top of the podium during the last three years," he adds.
In Argentina there will be an anniversary in store for the currently best co-driver in the FIA World Rally Championship, as Carinthian Ilka Minor will celebrate her 32nd birthday on April 30.
Minor has been on the hot seat beside Manfred Stohl since 2001. She counts the two second overall places in Cyprus (2005) and Wales (2006) as her biggest successes.
"It is rather funny that there always seems to be something to celebrate in Argentina. Last year it was Manfred's 100th WRC run and this year it is my birthday," she said.
"But there won't be a big party. My favourite present would be if Manfred would drive me to the podium on Sunday," Ilka wished.
Press Release OMV Kronos Citroën WRT
