Catalunya : OMV World Rally TeamXavier Pons (Citroen Xsara WRC) gave a combative and tactically faultless performance on the second day of the Movistar Rally RACC Catalunya. His reward: a sensational third intermediate place prior to the final leg on Sunday.
Despite foremost wanting to cross the finishing line, the OMV driver achieved second best time on special stage twelve behind Mikko Hirvonen, who received a 20-second penalty at the end of the day. And the Finnish Ford driver is the man Xavier Pons and Carlos del Barrio want to beat on Sunday in order to maintain a place on the podium.
Sovereign performance on tarmac
Xavier Pons is doing an excellent job. Just like in Corsica the 25-year-old OMV driver is fulfilling expectations at the tarmac run in Spain, as well. Even more so: his forte on tarmac astonishes his opponents.
After day two the local hero lies in third place. He has found the right feeling for the car. We`ve built him up slowly and never put pressure on him. Now he shows what he is capable of. The real sensation is that he is so close to the works cars. That shows class, rejoices Kronos Racing Team Manager Marc van Dalen.
Fight for podium on Sunday
Oviously, reaching the finish remains the primary goal. But Xavier Pons wants more on the last 60 special stage kilometres. Mikko Hirvonen (Fin/Ford Focus WRC) in fourth place is just a few seconds behind the OMV World Rally driver. Pons: We surely will push him hard. Our goal is to be the best private team once again. You don`t get the chance for a place on the podium every day. And we plan to take it.
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