Pressure off for Meeke as WRC season begins in Monte Carlo

Sport360 staff 06:01 21/01/2016
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  • Raring to go: Kris Meeke.

    Team Abu Dhabi are banking on a blend of youth and experience to make an impact in the opening round of the new World Rally Championship season.

    Taking over from Citroen Racing – who are set to return as a works team in 2017 – the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team will compete at a number of European rounds of the WRC, starting with the Rallye Monte Carlo this weekend.

    Prepared by PH Sport and featuring the same technical spec as at the end of 2015, the two WRCs have been entrusted to crews of differing experience and ambitions.

    At one end of the spectrum is Northern Irishman Kris Meeke, 36, who is competing in what is already his eighth Monte Carlo. After scoring a podium-finish there in 2014 alongside co-driver Paul Nagle, he has proven his ability to keep out of trouble on the tricky course in the south of France.

    And with the team only picking and choosing events and not actively pursuing the championship, Meeke says he intends to make the most of the situation and race with freedom.

    He said: “2016 is not just a new season, it’s the start of a new chapter in my career. Obviously, we are not in the same situation as the other WRC drivers. I don’t feel like I’m under a great deal of pressure, mainly because we’re not aiming for a particular result at the end of the season.

    “Although there are a few new stages, the course seems to be pretty similar to 2015. Instinctively, it’s a rally that I love because it sums up all the excitement of the start of a new season.”

    Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s other hope comes in the shape of 23-year-old Stephane Lefebvre, a driver with considerably less experience but no shortage of talent. The young Frenchman has secured two category wins in his two appearances in Monte Carlo and last year pulled off a real coup by winning the WRC2 class.

    Now competing alongside co-driver Gabin Moreau, Lefebvre is determined to shine once again in only his sixth WRC event. He said: “I would dearly love to get a good result and prove that I can be counted on. I like the course here, but I will be giving it all the respect such a legendary rally deserves.”

    Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier will start as favourite in a race which takes in the roads around his hometown of Gap. Elsewhere, the driver line-ups at both Volkswagen Motorsport and Hyundai Motorsport are unchanged, but it is all change at M-Sport with Mads Ostberg back and Eric Camilli making his first competitive appearance.

    The Championship also welcomes a newcomer in DMACK World Rally Team and chief driver Ott Tanak. The ceremonial start of the 84th Rallye Monte-Carlo takes place on Thursday night, with stages across Friday and Saturday before Sunday’s conclusion.

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