You’ve already covered several thousand kilometres testing in the Citroën DS3 WRC before the first rally. Do you feel you’re ready?
“We’ve done a lot of running since the middle of the 2010 season with a large number of test sessions on all types of surfaces. It’s never enough, we always want to do more! There are things to be validated, but overall the car handles well. Racing will provide the best answer to all our questions.”
You’re in the same team as the reigning world champion. Does that mean you have the best team-mate or the biggest rival?
“The Citroën Team spirit is all about collaboration. We share the maximum amount of information, technically speaking. We have to know how to work together. Our common objective is to win for Citroën. We’ve got the same chances and the same equipment. It’s up to me to prove that I can do as well as the world champion.”
How important is Rally Sweden?
“It’s an event I really know very little about, as I’ve only done it once, in 2009. I’m expecting a fairly difficult race, but I know that the season is long, and that the outcome of the championship won’t be decided on snow. There are many parameters that can upset the established order, the new regulations, the new Michelin tyres etc. Maybe I’ll feel in a position to go for victory. If it’s not the case, I’ll drive a steady race to score a result in view of the championships.”