Patrik Sandell/Emil Axelsson in Skoda Fabia Super2000 in Cyprus Rally 2009, Photo: Red Bull Rally
Rally of Portugal is getting closer, and Swedish Red Bull Skoda driver Patrik Sandell arrived in Algarve on Sunday evening. He spent the Monday just chilling in the sun to gain energy and focus for the event:
- I always try to get one extra day before the recce and other preparations begin. With my full-speed lifestyle it’s important to get some time off to focus. We’re back in Portugal after quite a disappointment in 2007 when I ended up retiring from all three days. However, I liked the event very much and it fits both me, Emil and the car perfectly, I think so I think it will be just fine.
Looking back on the close fight with Araujo in Cyprus, how different are the circumstances here in Portugal?
- Considering Araujos car, I think it will be harder for him, at least as far as it’s dry. We know that the Super2000 cars have a little bit of a problem when it’s wet, since we lose some traction – while group N cars can rely on low revs and still go very fast. Besides that, Araujo also have the advantage of being in his home roads. At least, the weather forecast is for nice weather…
Besides Araujo, for the first time this season there’s some real opposition with a number of drivers in Super2000 cars. What’s your view on that?
- It’s only fun! Looking at last years IRC result in Portugal, Magalhaes led after three stages, and even though he rolled on the 4th stage he has proven himself to be fast. I’ll look out for him. Of course also Flodin is in place and he is always good on finding the throttle, so it’ll certainly be a tough weekend!
Have there been any technical changes to the car since Cyprus?
- No, not really. We’ve made some small adjustments to the suspension, but since we haven’t had time to do any tests after Cyprus, most of the fine-tuning will have to be done on shakedown. I’ve got some small ideas…
So, do you have any worries for the event?
- Actually no, none at all. The roads are nice, the car is 100%, Emil is in good shape and I’m in an unusually good shape too! We can’t change what the others are doing, we can just go out and drive the car to 100% – and that’s what we’re gonna do. Of course I’m here to win – but at the same time I’m not prepared to take too big risks this time. If I’ve got 8 points easily in my hand and the chance for 10 points with high risks, then I’ll probaby just settle for the second position. However, the goal is to never get into that situation at all, instead we’ll try to get the speed high from the beginning and see how far we get… I think it will be enough for quite much!
