Catalunya : OMV Peugeot Norway - FinishThe OMV Norway World Rally Team finished the Movistar RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada in 12th overall place.
The premiere of the OMV duo Manfred Stohl/Ilka Minor in a WorldRallyCar in Catalonia was dominated by set-up work
for tarmac surface from the second half of day one on. In this sense the result may not have sufficed to score points but the rally gave valuable insight into the relative strength as compared to the other teams.
Package is okay
The 98th WRC-run of Manfred Stohl may not have been his best result wise but as far as future competitions on tarmac are concerned it was immensely valuable. Set-up work began right from kilometre one on. Many new insights were gained even if the result didn't show it yet. “We know that the package is okay. There is not much to criticise about the performance of the Peugeot. Our feeling is good, as well. It just didn't show in the times yet. The result is comparatively negligible. When you're behind from day one on you just can't make it up on dry tarmac,” explains OMV driver Manfred Stohl.
WRC points comeback in Corsica
The OMV Peugeot Norway World Rally Team definitely wants to go back to scoring points at the next run to the FIA World Rally Championship (round 5) in Corsica (April 7 – 9). Just like in Catalunya Manfred Stohl will only be competing in the driver's championship. Stohl: “I'm sure that our gathered experience will already pay off in Corsica.
We'll analyse the data thoroughly. Furthermore, the characteristics of the Rally of Corsica are completely different. The turns are much tighter and one can't cut as much.” Manfred Stohl was overtaken by Dani Sordo (Spa/Citroen) in the WRC standings and currently lies in fourth place. This enables the OMV driver to take up the Rallye de France - Tour de Corse as fourth car on day one.
Very difficult week
For Bozian Racing a strenuous week is nearing its end, as well. “Considering the crash during testing one can't say that the week was off to a good start to us. It was a big success in itself that Manfred and Ilka were able to compete in the first place. But during the rally we tried out several set-ups and now we are very confident for Corsica. Manfred, Ilka and our whole team (Bozian Racing) did a great and professional job. I'm very proud of them,” says Jackie Bozian, Team Manager of the OMV Peuegot Norway World Rally Team.
Press release OMV Peugeot Norway
