The winner of last year’s IRC Production Cup in a Megane Renault Sport N4, Robert Consani is brimming with enthusiasm ahead of the new season. With Thibaut Gorczyca now alongside him in the co-driver’s seat, the man from Provence can’t wait to get going: “I’m very happy to be here in the Canaries as a Renault driver. I’ve got good memories of this rally, having earned my first victory here in the Megane. The car’s had a great reception from the fans, who are very enthusiastic and have a close bond with Renault.”

Despite his achievements last year, Robert Consani is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as the new campaign nears: “We’ll be going for the win if we can, though we mustn’t forget that the objective is to finish each rally and pick up as many points as possible. In the Canaries we’ll be up against a tough opponent in Andreas Aigner, who he’ll be in a 4WD car.”

Robert Consani added: “I’m confident because our initial testing went very well. I know my new co-driver Thibaut very well too and there’s a natural understanding between us. We’re ready for what promises to be an exciting challenge.”

Partnered by Olivier Fournier, new Renault Sport team member Germain Bonnefis has the same objectives. And while he might lack Consani’s intimate knowledge of the Megane R.S. N4, the Aveyron driver has been able to get to grips with it in a testing session.

“I was pleasantly surprised, though I did have to change my driving style. I got a good feel for the car pretty much straightaway and I’m sure my confidence will build as I go along.”

The 2012 French Dirt Rally champion is staying cool, calm and collected ahead of the first of seven ERC appearances this year: “I hope to hit top speed once I’ve found my bearings. Speed’s all about keeping a cool head, though, and you only win championships by combining performance and reliability. I’ll be looking to focus on the pace notes and my driving in the first few specials, without worrying too much about everyone else’s times. If we can get some confidence, then we can pick up the pace, though I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun in the Megane.”

Schedule

Friday 22 March – Leg 1

7.48: SS1 Moya (13.57 km)
8.24: SS2 Artenara (21.18 km)
9.09: SS3 Tejeda (14.31 km)
12.17: SS4 Moya (13.57 km)
12.53: SS5 Artenara (21.18 km)
13.38: SS6 Tejeda (14.31 km)
17.26: SS7 Agüimes (25.82 km)
18.26: SS8 Ingenio (20.88 km)

Saturday 23 March – Leg 2

10.28: SS9 Maspalomas (13.28 km)
11.01: SS10 San Bartolome de Tirajana (21.36 km)
11.44: SS11 Valleseco (16.12 km)
15.07: SS12 Maspalomas (13.28 km)
15.40: SS13 San Bartolome de Tirajana (21.36 km)
16.23: SS14 Valleseco (16.12 km)

Times in GMT