PG Andersson, who takes a 0.6s lead into Rally Sweden’s first stage proper on Friday, says the World Rally Championship’s new technical regulations have made it possible for privateer drivers like him to challenge for outright victory.
Swede Andersson, a double Junior world rally champion, made history on Thursday night when he became the first stage winner of the new World Rally Car era after he raised more than 100,000 Euros through sponsorship and private donations to secure his drive in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
World Rally Cars now feature 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct-injection engines but rely on less technology than their predecessors, which means they are a third cheaper to buy.
“The new rules have made a big difference because we are all starting at the same base, nobody knows the car and it’s really possible that a private driver can win, which was never the case before,” said the 30-year-old, who lives 100 kilometres west of Karlstad, where the 2011 WRC season curtain raiser is based. “If I drive well I can win this rally and not just aim for the top eight.”
Andersson managed just 50 kilometres of pre-event testing on the Monday before the rally in his Fiesta, but had little problem adapting to his new mount when he set the fastest time through the Super Special Stage Karlstad, despite heavy snowfall making driving conditions treacherous.
As a gesture to the many fans that have pledged their support, Andersson’s Fiesta is carrying the message ‘Swedish Hardcore fan club’ for the duration of the event. “Without them I would not be here although I don’t feel any pressure because of what they have done for me,” said Andersson, who is taking part on his second international event with co-driver Emil Axelsson.
With Friday’s running order based on the final 2010 WRC standings, Andersson believes he can make more progress by starting 11th on the road. With snow expected to continue falling overnight, drivers running further down the order are likely to enjoy a cleaner line through the early tests and therefore gain an advantage.
Day one section two of Rally Sweden gets underway with the 24.63-kilometre Vargasen stage at 07:58hrs local time. The high-speed technical stage features the famous Colin’s Crest jump, named in memory of the late world rally champion Colin McRae.