Andreas Mikkelsen did four runs of the Cape di Feno – St. Antoine shakedown stage in his factory-prepared ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000 before declaring himself satisfied and ready for the start of the Tour of Corsica.
The recce for Round 4 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge has gone well, although it highlighted what a difficult start to the event it will be. SS1 has just about everything you’re ever likely to find in an asphalt stage, with the 16.08 miles (25.89kms) containing wide and fast and narrow and bumpy sections. The next two stages, which lead the rally up to Calvi, run a high risk of punctures for those gambling and cutting corners.
The ceremonial start takes place tonight in Ajaccio. Cars go over the ramp in reserve order, meaning that Andreas and co-driver Ola Fløene will be flagged away at 21.42 local time. But they won’t be going far, as the rally doesn’t leave Ajaccio tomorrow at 13.00, with the first of 14 special stages beginning at 14.13.
The weather forecast for the picturesque Mediterranean island is for dry and sunny conditions throughout the event.
“The recce and the shakedown have gone well – no dramas at all,” said Andreas. “The aim is to score points, so it will be a good battle with the other Super 2000 cars. I’m not so worried about the turbo-charged Regional Rally Cars, so I won’t be pushing like crazy to try and beat Sordo if he’s as quick as I know he will be. It’s going to be a very hot and long rally, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Source: Andreas Mikkelsen Official Website
