Andreas Mikkelsen says that he will use his multi-year experience at Croatia Rally to try to get a podium with Hyundai Motorsport despite his road disadvantage.
The Norwegian driver has secured a tarmac partial programme with Hyundai Motorsport for this season and his first outing with the i20N Rally1 was at Rallye Monte Carlo three months ago where he finished sixth overall. Apart from his tarmac test in Croatia, the Alzenau-based team gave him the chance to compete at #RAplus, an Italian tarmac event, in order to get more mileage with the car before his heading to the fourth WRC round. Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak will be supported by Mikkelsen in Croatia despite the fact that the last will start seventh on Friday as he is in tenth position on the drivers' standings.
"I am feeling very positive after a solid start to the season in Monte-Carlo", Mikkelsen said.
"It’s great to be returning to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid for a WRC round, especially after contesting Rally Regione Piemonte.
"Croatia is a unique challenge, but we have many years of rallying experience that we can use to make good judgements on stage.
"With the grip and weather changing all the time, good pace notes are an essential to doing well there.
"Obviously, our road position at the start of the weekend will be a disadvantage, especially if there is rain, due to the amount of mud that gets pulled up.
"We are ultimately targeting a podium, but if conditions get tricky then a top-five finish is where we want to end up".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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