Repco Rally New Zealand 2008 Shakedown: Francois Duval fastest for the Stobart VK team
Francois Duval claimed fastest time on the shakedown stage of Rally New Zealand at Mystery Creek. Duval, who was quickest on the Rally Germany shakedown, wont read too much into being fastest but it will give a little psychological boost ahead of tomorrow's rally. Duval is in New Zealand as a replacement for the injured Gigi Galli.
Duval commented ahead of the rally:
I know that the Focus is a fantastic car on gravel and that is a good feeling for me; I am confident that I will be able to a find a comfortable setting with it quite soon. It is also a benefit to have spent time in the car just last week. My plan for the rally is firstly to try and finish in the points and if the confidence is good then maybe I will be able to increase the speed.”
Latvala, also, will feel a bit more confident setting 2nd fastest time but his rally New Zealand is all about rebuilding his reputation and proving to Malcolm Wilson that he can finish a rally safely without over-driving the car. Latvala will be substituted by Duval in the BP squad for the remaining asphalt WRC rounds, so he has much to prove this weekend.
Petter Solberg was third fastest over the 3.08km stage but tomorrow is when we will see who will step up, or perhaps not, if tactics come into play and the tyres will play a major role.
Shakedown Times:
DUVAL 2.26.0
LATVALA 2.26.4
P SOLBERG 2.26.7
HIRVONEN 2.27.0
SORDO 2.27.2
LOEB 2.27.3
WILSON 2.27.4
H SOLBERG 2.28.0
ATKINSON 2.28.8
AAVA 2.29.0
GARDEMEISTER 2.29.1
VILLAGRA 2.29.1
ANDERSSON 2.29.1
RAUTENBACH 2.33.5
Vids from shakedown
Duval impressed in Germany can he do the same in NZ?
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