WRC
JWRC: Citroen Rally Finland final notes
A polished performance from Julien Pressac Citroen C2 super 1600 driver Julien Pressac and his co-driver Jack Boyère came out of their debut ride over Finland's celebrated rolle r-coaster with honours to clinch 4th place in this weekend's ...
Edited: Aug 21, 2006, 3:55 AM
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A polished performance from Julien Pressac
Citroen C2 super 1600 driver Julien Pressac and his co-driver Jack Boyère came out of their debut ride over Finland's celebrated rolle r-coaster with honours to clinch 4th place in this weekend's JWRC classification. Although competing in Finland's round of the World Rally Championship is never easy and reaching the finish is always a feat, '1000 Lakes' rookie Julien Pressac succeeded in rounding off his first taste of the classic fixture in style. "Julien produced an intelligent performance this weekend," says Citroen Sport's Customer Competition Manager Yves Matton. "Even though this was his debut here, he stuck to his game- plan and came out of it very well. It is only logical to see his run rewarded with a strong result."
The Frenchman kicked off the rally's third and final leg this morning hoping to perhaps earn himself a finish on the podium. And with a menu of four stages totalling 60km without service anything was indeed possible. "After the first couple of stages, however, I knew I wouldn't be able to close the gap with the driver ahead of me," admits the Citroen driver. "I consequently chose to play it safe while still remaining totally focused because the stages were in a really poor state second time through."
On top of the progress he has made this weekend and the additional experience he has gained over the gravel of this mythical event, Julien above all recalls "the fast, blind jumps and the amazing atmosphere of the rally. There were people everywhere." At the end of only his second JWRC outing on the loose, Julien was warmly congratulated for his performance by drivers boasting far more experience than him.
"Especially as this is the most difficult round of the World Championship," stresses Sven Smeets, Citroen Sport Sporting Coordinator.
The well-paced weekend and steady improvement of Citroen C2-R2 runners Fabien Fiandino/Sabrina De Castelli unfortunately didn't end as they had been hoping when the French youngsters left the road shortly after the start of the final stage. "I hadn't really noted the spot as a caution in my notes," relates Fabien. "My concentration dipped a little and I unfortunately put my wheels off the clear line. The car immediately began to fishtail and, as it careered down the stage, we hit a rock which sent us into a roll. I am so disappointed for everyone in the team. Our C2-R2 had worked perfectly until then. It's such a shame! Happily, Sabrina and I came out of it unscathed. Just a few aches and bruises, but nothing serious." When the accident occurred, the Citroen crew was 9th in the JWRC standings, a mere 4.5 seconds off an 8th place that would have handed them and the Citroen C2-R2 their very first point to round off their maiden entry in the Junior World Rally Championship...
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