News from Urmo (2nd in JRC points table):
“This rally is naturally a very good opportunity for us to move up into the lead of the championship, so we have to drive very carefully to be sure of making the finish. The key to this event will be to stay out of trouble and avoid punctures, but this is much more easily said than done. Germany is very different to most asphalt events, and it will be extremely easy to be caught out by the tricky conditions. I know that both myself and the Suzuki Swift can be very strong on asphalt from the past, but you also need a bit of luck as well. The weather, as always, will be unpredictable here in Germany – we need to make sure that we stay on the road if it gets slippery.”

News from James:
“Getting this drive is a fantastic and unexpected opportunity for me, so I have to make the most of this very big chance. Obviously, to do well you first have to be sure of making the finish, which will be my absolute priority here. I am very lucky to have the experienced Jonas Andersson co-driving for me, whom I am sure will help me a lot. Everything is new to me, so my objective will be to start gently and build up to speed. I would like to repay the faith that Suzuki has shown in me by finishing to the best of my abilities. It’s a very long event and anything can happen. ”

News from Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima, team principal:
“I feel disappointed that P-G is unable to compete in Germany, but it gives us the chance to give James an opportunity to show his talents on the world stage. We do not want to put any pressure on him though: the aim is for him to enjoy himself and make sure he gets to the end. The same objective applies for Urmo too: he does not need to take any unnecessary risks on what is one of the most complex rallies of the year. We have every confidence in the potential of the Swift on these varied surfaces, and I trust our drivers to do a sensible job in these uncertain road conditions.”