News from P−G (3rd in JRC after SS1):
P-G Andersson: "This is going to be a very difficult rally: there are several blind crests so it will be important to have pace notes that are exactly right. There is also going to be a big risk of punctures, so in many ways this will be an even tougher event than the real rough rallies, such as the Acropolis in Greece for example. We're leading the championship now, so we can afford to back off a little bit in the really difficult places: the important thing for us is to get to the finish and score points."

News from Urmo (2nd in JRC after SS1):
Urmo Aava: "I had a really good time in the spectator superspecial: there was a fantastic atmosphere with all the people there. The difficult part of the rally starts tomorrow though, as there are so many surface changes and tricky cambers. The route looks really nice, but I am sure this will be a very tactical rally. It's quite easy to drive flat-out all the time, but when you need to constantly adjust your pace it becomes much more difficult. You never know what the weather will do either here..."

News from Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, team principal:
"It's been a spectacular start to the rally, but the drivers must remain focussed for the main task on the gravel stages ahead. This is a new rally so nobody starts at an advantage in terms of experience, and conditions will be uncertain. This means you have to expect the unexpected: my advice to all our drivers is to drive with the head as much as with the right foot! Above all, we have to finish and score good points. "