Britain’s Kris Meeke heads to this week’s Rally of Portugal full of confidence after his maiden win in Argentina put the brakes on world champion Sebastien Ogier’s run of success.
“After winning my first WRC rally, perhaps the pressure is off me a little bit. In Argentina, everything worked out perfectly,” said the 35-year-old Citroen driver from Dungannon in Northern Ireland.
Frenchman Ogier, who won the first three races of the season, was never in the hunt for a fourth straight win of 2015 as his Volkswagen Polo broke down on the second day, only to see him return with a 35-minute penalty.
But Meeke insists his approach to the remaining nine rallies will remain the same as he looks to build on his current run of form.
“I know we still have a lot to do in order to be competitive at all of the rallies, but we’ll have to keep going and stick to our strategy”, he explained.
“I’m not going to set myself any new goals. I just need to be very consistent and avoid making any mistakes.”
Ogier heads to Thursday’s first special stage with his sights set on consolidating his healthy lead in the WRC standings and also match Markku Alen’s record five victories on the gravel event.
The Finnish rally master became a legend among Portuguese fans with victories in 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1987.
“I have nothing but fond memories of the Rally Portugal. I have won there four times already, including the last two years with Volkswagen,” Ogier said.
“I have heard that victory this time would see me draw level with Markku Alen, who holds the record for the most wins in Portugal. That is obviously my goal. I am very pleased to say that Markku will be a guest in hospitality. We know each other already – he is a great guy and I really respect him.”