This week, the action heads to Central Europe for the penultimate round, taking place across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Central Europe proved challenging last year, with autumn weather adding multiple layers of difficulty.
“This event is quite a special challenge compared to everything else so far this year,” M-Sport Team Principal Richard Millener stated.
“A remote shakedown, with no chance to visit the service park after this or before the start of the first stage, and then a full day on Friday, again with no proper service. This challenge mixed with the (very likely) difficult muddy conditions will make it a huge challenge for all the crews,” Millener explained.
M-Sport has benefited from advantageous starting positions in recent rallies, but the situation shifts in Central Europe. On wet tarmac, the first car can actually gain an advantage since there’s less mud on the road, whereas on gravel, the role of road-sweeper is far from ideal.
“I am confident though, that with the continuation of a sensible approach to this kind of event from our drivers, we have a good opportunity to get a top result,” Millener expressed.
“Our road position may not be the best for muddy Tarmac, but I know the Puma performs very well in these conditions. So I am looking forward to seeing what is possible,” the team boss added.
