Leading navigator Chris Patterson says he and driver Petter Solberg will have nothing to fear on Rally Australia this week, despite a frustrating start to their world championship campaign.
The Citroen privateers are fifth in the WRC standings following a recent troubled run but are optimistic for the Coffs Coast-based event, which starts this evening (Thursday).
“We love the stages, we had a good recce and shakedown went well so we’re not concerned about anything,” said Patterson. “Road position will make a big difference on this rally and we’ve got a good road position for Friday but we’ll have to see what everybody else is doing.”
With no prior knowledge of the stages in New South Wales, Patterson conducted extensive research of the route before heading to Australia from his native Northern Ireland.
“I looked at Google Earth to get an idea of the nature of the stages but there is only so much you can do,” said Patterson. “You do your homework but it’s business as normal when you get to the rally. If you take Rally Bulgaria as an example of our record on new events we finished third on our first event together. Doing new events doesn’t worry us - it adds to the challenge, which is something we enjoy.”
Solberg received a welcome boost when he went second fastest in shakedown on Thursday morning. He said: “I keep up on the shakedown now so that for me is a big help. Now we just have to wait and see. We needed to find a good balance for the car and I am confident we have done that.”