Kris Meeke continues his challenge in the FIA World Rally Championship in what has been one of ups and downs for the Dungannon driver as the series moves to Corsica for round 11.After a seven-year absence from the World Rally Championship Corsica is back on the calendar and will present a big challenge this weekend.
“I am pleased to be going back to Corsica, it is a legendary World Rally Championship venue and I love driving on tarmac,” said Meeke.
“There are only nine long stages and the weather could play a part. I am going to drive at my own pace and hopefully a place on the podium.”
The most experienced driver and something of a Corsica veteran is Spanish driver Dani Sordo. He has tackled the rally six times, debuting back in 2004 in a Mitsubishi Lancer, and drove a Mini Cooper to victory in 2012 when the event was an Intercontinental Rally Challenge counter and boasts WRC podiums from 2006 and 2007.
Former Subaru works driver Stephane Sarrazin, now more frequently seen on circuits in Toyota’s World Endurance Championship squad, has an enviable record.
He won last year in a Ford Fiesta RRC and finished third in 2013 in a Mini Cooper S2000 when the rally was a European Championship round. Sarrazin has three other top 10 finishes in a Subaru Impreza WRC and could spring a surprise.
Also highly experienced are Jari-Matti Latvala (five starts and two fourth places) and Andreas Mikkelsen (four starts), but the driver to watch will be the World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier.
Meeke has competed previously in Corsica but in two wheel drive cars so this will be his fourth competitive drive on the island.
Many feel that the Dungannon driver turned a series of misfortunes into a good result with third in Australia on the last round and he has firmly established himself as the leading British driver in the series.
The stages to be used in Corsica should really suit his style and he will have his team-mate Mads Ostberg back in action after his recce accident in Australia.
Meeke is currently in sixth place in the World Rally Championship while Ostberg is fourth.
The Tour de Corse is also the sixth round of the French Rally Championship, however the main focus will be on the 17 cars taking part in the World Rally Championship.
After the usual ceremonial start, three days of action commence on Friday.