Andreas Mikkelsen is still waiting for his elusive first asphalt win in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge following his retirement on the Geko Ypres Rally this morning. He spoke to ircseries.com.
What exactly happened?
“We knew Freddy [Loix] was quite far in front so we were trying to catch him. I misjudged the Tarmac a little bit, I thought it had more grip in the braking and I lost the braking point by five or six metres in a junction right. It was one of these 10mph accidents when I went slowly into a shallow ditch. We broke one of the suspension arms and I didn’t have a spare with me so I needed to retire.”
When did you realise your rally was over?
“I hit the bank and I reverse out. I decided to drive again but I felt something was not correct with the steering so we parked up after 500 metres. We were 16 kilometres into the stage.”
What was your reaction when you got out of the car?
“Of course I am disappointed and so is the whole team but this is rallying sometimes. We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy rally but, okay we had the feeling I wanted to try on the first stage this morning because normally Freddy is not so fast on the first stage in the morning and I wanted to gain some time. It’s a shame but it’s a part of it. It’s a long season and it’s still not over. There are a lot of good rallies to come and we want maximum points from these two gravel events [in San Marino and Romania]. We’re still in the hunt for the crown and we’re on our way.”
While the rally has ended in disappointment you must be pleased with the speed you have shown this week?
“Of course being able to keep the speed as Freddy is doing is really good. Obviously Juho [Hänninen] is doing a good job in the front, he’s doing really well but I’m happy with my pace we have done this year. It’s a shame it’s ended that way but this is life sometimes when you want to fight in the top.”
Without the delay on Friday evening could you have won this rally had you not retired?
“I think I had the speed to win this event if I didn’t do my small mistake yesterday. Okay, a lot of people can say that. But we’re leading the championship and now it’s two rounds, which is probably my strongest this year coming up. For this Tarmac win I need to wait a little longer.”