Citroen Total Abu Dhabi driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi insists the team are not expecting a major result from Kris Meeke at Rally Sweden despite the Briton's impressive display in Monaco.
Meeke, who finished third in Monaco at the World Rally Championship season opener, is currently in 10th place following the special super stage in Karlstad on Wednesday night.
However, Al Qassimi has told Sport360° that Meeke will not be placed under any undue pressure during his debut rce in Sweden.
“Sweden is new for Meeke and there is no pressure from the team for him to deliver results here over the weekend," he explained. "I want him to just finish the rally and not push too hard which might see him out [of the rally].
"If he [Meeke] just finishes the rally it will be a good result because he has not raced on this surface before. He is good on gravel surfaces, so we will see his performance in Mexico [next month].
“I just want Kris to get as much mileage under him as is possible with every round that he drives in."
While Meeke adjusts to the Swedish conditions, teammate Mads Ostberg is fully accustomed to what Scandanavian races offer. Ostberg is currently in 7th position and Citroen Total Abu Dhabi fans would be looking to the Norweigen to post some big points for the team.
But Al Qassimi insists that, like Meeke, the priority for Ostberg is to complete the rally.
“Mads is the local boy and he has done Sweden before and has got some good results here. But again, like I said, to finish is the priority.
“Everything is possible with Mads, he is a good driver and knows the conditions well. But more importantly, he is new to the car [DS3] and must get used to it.”
Al Qassimi has so far struggled to post the quick times associated with the Emirati and finds himself down in 29th. With plenty of the rally left to race, he will be looking to thrust his way up the rankings.
“This rally is not predictable, surprises await you at every corner, no corner is the same. So, it is important to be cautious rather than just push flat out,” he said.
On why he chose to compete in Sweden, Al Qassimi explained: “I wanted to begin with the first round itself, in Monaco, but was unable to. I want to be with the crew and the two new drivers – Mads [Ostberg] and Kris [Meeke]. Basically, I want to be around to encourage them to do well.
“You may have the best drivers and worst support team or the best support team and the worst drivers, but at the end of the day what counts is that your drivers should feel comfortable.”
