Germany - C2 Junior Experience - PreviewThe C2 Junior Experience drivers will start Rally Germany in front of an enthusiastic and sophisticated crowd next Thursday night, in front of the Porta Nigra in Trier. The occasion marks the first asphalt rally of the year for the
Juniors, and for most of them it is an eagerly awaited fixture.
In the style of
Sebastien Loeb and his all-conquering Xsara WRC, which has claimed five consecutive victories on the event, the Citroen C2 Super 1600 has also proved unbeatable on German asphalt. In 2005, Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke occupied the top two places on the podium, while in 2006 it was Kris Meeke who claimed the win.
Yves Matton, Citroen's customer competition manager, reflects on the lessons learned from such strong performances in the past: "The C2 Super 1600 has always been quick on asphalt, whether it is in conditions such as Corsica or Catalunya, or alternatively Germany where the surfaces tend to be more unusual. This year, the Citroen drivers also have some experience of the terrain. On the last few rallies, their performances have notably improved. Now we need them to continue down this route, with the hope of further success in Germany."
The C2 Junior Experience drivers enjoyed this rally last year as well – just like Citroen C2 Super 1600 drivers Martin Prokop, Aaron Burkart and Conrad Rautenbach, who finished in the top 10.
They come to the rally with a good idea of what to expect from the event, which will consist of 19 special stages in the area around Trier. They are all hoping to cross the finish ramp on Sunday leading the rally – especially Aaron Burkart for whom it is a home event.
Yves Matton adds: "It's his rally, so if there's any event where he would like to be at the forefront it's this one. His preparation and his knowledge of the route should help him to succeed in this challenge."
The battle for the top in the C2-R2 category should be equally hectic. Yoann Bonato, PH Sport's C2-R2 driver, will be cheered on by several French fans who will have made the short trip across the border for the occasion. After a strong performance in Finland 10 days ago, he will now have to make his mark on stages which he described as being "just as difficult."
Yves Matton comments: "Yoann put in an astonishing performance in Finland, despite his lack of experience on gravel. We were more expecting to see that sort of pace from him in Germany."
However, he won't be the only person battling to take the honours in the R2 category. Current leader Shaun Gallagher will be looking to continue his progress on what will be his penultimate rally of the season.
Kronos Junior Team drivers Raphael Auquier and Gilles Schammel are also well prepared for the event, which will be virtually a home rally for them. The duo have promised to be "flat out" throughout all three days in order to score precious championship points.
Matton concludes: "They both have experience of the territory. The advantage probably lies with Schammel, as he has competed on the Ypres Rally recently. The rally takes place not far from his native Luxembourg, so he has a big task ahead of him to fly the flag for his country. Both Kronos drivers need to use the asphalt rallies to their maximum advantage if they want to overhaul Gallagher in the standings."
Italian driver Stefano Benoni is more confident on asphalt than gravel, so he should also play a part in the proceedings.
The C2 Junior Experience will not be able to relax for a minute throughout the three tricky legs of the event, which are all very different from each other. Making life even more difficult will be Germany's notoriously unpredictable weather...
Citroen Sport
