2007 Tour de Corse - Preview

Corsica, situated off the south-eastern coastline of France, is well known for its picturesque, unspoiled countryside, which is dominated by forests and mountains. On the abrasive asphalt road surface tyre wear is high, and the rally is amongst the most punishing of the year. The narrow roads hug the sides of the mountains, and drivers are often faced with sheer rock face on one side and steep drops on the other.

Absolute precision is crucial at this event. Similar to Catalunya, drivers need to adopt a clear racing line throughout the stage to carry speed through the corners. There is no margin for error and the concentration levels are at their highest as drivers wind their way through the 'Rally of a Thousand Corners'. Characterised by the hard acceleration and heavy braking that comes with each twist and turn on the island roads, the g-forces generated are the highest in the championship.

The Corsican weather can be as dramatic as the landscape. Within an hour bright sunshine can give way to heavy rain as warm sea air meets the cool mountain breeze. There can be heavy localised showers - it's not unusual for drivers to leave the service park in dry conditions and come across rain at the stage start or during the stage, so weather crews have a very important role.

The thirteenth round of the World Rally Championship is based in Ajaccio, a port on the west coast of the island. This year's event will be busier than usual, including 16 special stages as opposed the 12 used last year, while more than half of the route will be completely new for all the crews. The rally will also venture further south than in recent years, going as far as the city of Sartene, about 50km south of Ajaccio. Legs one and two will each feature six special stages, while Sunday's final leg includes just four.

1. BP-Ford

2. Citroen Total

3. Subaru

4. OMV Kronos Citroen

5. Stobart M-Sport Ford

6. Munchis Ford

1. BP-Ford

Just four days after turning off their engines in Spain, BP-Ford World Rally Team will fire up its Focus RS World Rally Cars for the second instalment of the FIA World Rally Championship's asphalt double header in the Mediterranean. The location this time is the craggy island of Corsica where Rallye de France (11 - 14 October) offers competitors a totally different challenge to the one they have just faced on Rally de España.

Marcus Grönholm/Timo Rautiainen: "We proved this weekend that in dry conditions we have the right package to match Loeb and Sordo on asphalt, a surface on which they excel. I don't like wet and slippery conditions and if we do experience bad weather then we have to work hard to ensure we can fight with them then as well. I really hope it is dry though. I feel happier on the Corsican stages than on the roads in Spain. They are more like traditional rally stages than a race circuit. I was second there last year and hopefully I can do the same again at least.

Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Lehtinen: "I'm going to try for a podium and if the conditions stay dry then I have a good chance. With nothing to fight for on the last leg in Spain I was able to try a few different things on the car in preparation for Corsica,"

2. Citroen Total

Barely had the Citroën C4 WRCs of Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Martí rolled off the finish ramp in Catalonia and no sooner had the Citroën Sport mechanics packed up their tool cases and their engineer colleagues switched off their computers than it was time for the team to turn its gaze to the Tour de Corse - round 13 of the 2007 World Championship - for which both Citroën crews have been entered.

Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena: "We started as favourites in Spain and we ended up winning and achieving our objective. We took points off Marcus but we are still behind in the championship. Our aim in Corsica will once again be to finish ahead of him and hope that Dani Sordo and perhaps other drivers succeed in splitting us in the final results."

Dani Sordo/Marc Marti: "I like any rally on asphalt, wherever it takes place! Last year, we posted some decent times in Corsica and I don't see why we shouldn't be competitive again. The stages are different but I do enjoy all the corners. Our result in Spain means we are extremely motivated to try to finish ahead of Marcus Grönholm again."

3. Subaru

The Subaru World Rally Team has entered three Impreza WRC2007s for the thirteenth round of the 2007 World Rally Championship. The pairing of Petter Solberg and Phil Mills will drive car number seven, Chris Atkinson/Stephane Prevot will drive car number eight, while Xevi Pons/Xavier Amigo will be in car number 17.

Petter Solberg/Phil Mills: "We finished the last leg in Spain by making some changes I felt made the car a lot better, so I hope we can take this knowledge to Corsica and start well. The surface is very different, but like Spain the weather can play a large part with the chance of unpredictable showers. Tyre choice will be very important, so there is more to the rally than just fine-tuning setup. But the surface in Corsica suits the car so I hope we will be fast from leg one."

Chris Atkinson/Stephane Prevot: "With Spain only last weekend, Corsica is the second asphalt rally in two weeks which is great for us. It is tough having two events next to each other, as we pretty much have one day off in two weeks, but for the last few weeks I've been training harder to counter this. In general October is a tough month which means I have been exercising more to build myself up. On the plus side, it means you can develop more of a rhythm between the rallies. I'm hoping for a good result and a strong end of the season."

Xavier Pons/Xavier Amigo: "I am looking forward to France next weekend and hope we can be fast there. The Impreza WRC2007 is quick on that type of surface, so I hope we can have no problems and a good weekend. Spain was a busy weekend for me with media interviews and live TV slots; it was a fantastic experience! Following that Corsica will be quieter, but I hope that means I can focus 100 per cent on my driving and deliver a good result for the team."

4. OMV Kronos Citroen

The OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team has set itself a definite target for the "Rallye de France - Tour de Corse". The gap to the Stobart World Rally Team (Henning Solberg, Jari-Matti Latvala) in the manufacture ranking shall be reduced. Currently there is a difference of 18 points but after the 13th run to the FIA World Rally Championship one plans to be within striking distance.

Manfred Stohl is forced to take a different approach in Corsica. He has to take care not to damage the Citroen Xsara WRC for already on Monday after the run in Corsica the car will be transported to Japan, where the Rally Japan will take place from October 26 to 28. Therefore the Austrian OMV driver will be a bit cautious: "Of course, this scenario is always in the back of your mind. But I will still go my usual speed. For it doesn't make sense to just amble along the special stages."

Francois Duval/Patrick Pivato: "In Spain, nothing more was possible. But in Corsica the pack will be reshuffled and we are very confident. The characteristics of this rally are completely different and these characteristics are to our advantage."

5. Stobart M-Sport Ford

The Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team travel the short distance from Costa Daurada to Corsica for next weekend's Rallye de France Tour de Corse, round

13 of the FIA World Rally Championship, off the back of an excellent result on Rally Catalunya where all three cars finished inside the top-eleven.

Henning Solberg/Cato Menkerud: "This is my first time to Corsica and really this month of October is a big learning month for me. I will be driving in Spain, Corsica and Japan for the first time ever and I really just need to take it steady on these events and make it to the finish. I'm not so sure of what to expect this weekend and I think I will get a few surprises once the recce starts. But I am pleased with my result in Spain and especially being able to finish inside the top-ten on my first attempt. Asphalt rallying is all about experience, which I don't have much of, but I'm learning all the time with every stage I complete and now the feeling is coming."

Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila: "I enjoy the stages in Corsica, it is much different to Spain as the speeds are less and there are many more corners on the roads. I was unfortunate last year when I got caught in a battle with Xevi Pons and ended up sliding on some gravel and going off the road. I can say that this year, however, I have been more controlled and consistent and have learnt more about driving on asphalt. I have tried to be more smooth, easier on braking, so as not to upset the car, and less aggressive in the corners; I think this is starting to work for me now."

Matthew Wilson/Michael Orr: "Well first of all it's really good that we are going to Corsica straight from the last event in Spain. The experience we have gained from Catalunya will be fresh in my head and hopefully we can put it to good use. The first two days of this rally are very different from last year which means it's a more level playing field as everyone should be making some new pacenotes. I enjoyed the Sunday stages last year and those were my best of the event so I'm looking forward to those again. If the stages stay dry then I think we are in with a chance of a decent result."

6. Munchis Ford

Munchis Ford are not entered in Corsica.

7. Skoda Czech Rally Team

No information available at time of going to press.

Jan Kopecky/Filip Schovanek: No quote available.

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Event Statistics

* This year's event will be the 51st edition. The Tour de Corse was first organised in 1956.

* This year again the rally focuses on the Ajaccio region. The town hosts all the event's facilities. The Rally HQ and Media Room are based in the Palais des Congrès by the harbour side which also hosts the service park. The parc ferme (Place du Diamant) is in the town centre.

* The total length of the 2007 event is 1,116.93km, including 359.32km divided into 16 stages (8 different).

* The chassis and engine of the two C4s were sealed and are the same as the cars used in Spain.

They will also go on to contest the Rally Ireland. Regarding the front and rear subframes and steering racks, the Tour de Corse is twinned with the Rally Ireland.

* Two gearbox/differential assemblies were sealed per car for Corsica and Ireland.

* Tyres: the quota per driver is 65 tyres, of which 42 may be used (event and shakedown). The list of nominated tyres and patterns (two) had to be registered with the FIA on Monday October 8.

* Recce is scheduled for Tu esday October 9 (between 09.30 and 18.30 - stages 13/15, 14/16, 8/11 and 9/12). The second day of recce is Wednesday October 10 (between 07.45 and 18.30 - stages 1/4, 2/5, 3/6 and 7/10). Two runs are authorised at a maximum speed of 80kph in keeping with a schedule specified by the organisers.

* Shakedown (Thursday October 11, between 08.00 and 12.00) uses the same 6.94km stage as that used in 2006 and which runs from Capo di Feno to Saint Antoine. A special service park will be organised by the side of the Route des Sanguinaires.

* The start ceremony (Place Foch) starts at 19.00 on Thursday October 11.

* One 'safety crew' is authorised per driver to cover each stage before the competitors.

* Leg 1 (Friday October 12): 430.48km, including 124.28km divided into 6 stages (3 different). Rally starts in the service park (08.00). SS1 (Monti Rossu-Pila Canale 1, 18.10km), SS2 (Belvedere-Boca Albitrina 1, 16.62km) and SS3 (Arbellara-Aullene 1, 27.42km). Regroup (12.29, 25 minutes). Service A (12.54, 30 minutes). SS4 (Monti Rossu-Pila Canale 2), SS5 (Belvedere-Boca Albitrina 2) and SS6 (Arbellara-Aullene 2). Service B (17.53, 45 minutes). Last car due into parc ferme at 21.00.

* Leg 2 (Saturday October 13): 444.13km, including 122.94km divided into 6 stages (3 different).

Cars leave parc ferme (08.00). Service C (08.10, 10 minutes). SS7 (Carbuccia-Scalella 1, 21.88km),

SS8 (Calcatoggio-Plage du Liamone 1, 26.55km) and SS9 (Vico-Col St Roch 1, 13.04km). Regroup (12.49, 25 minutes). Service D (13.14, 30 minutes ). SS10 (Carbuccia-Scalella 2), SS11 (Calcatoggio- Plage du Liamone 2) and SS12 (Vico-Col St Roch 2). Service E (18.13, 45 minutes). Last car due into parc ferme at 21.15.

* Leg 3 (Sunday October 14): 121.16km, including 56.05km divided into 4 stages (2 different ). Cars leave parc ferme (07.45). Service F (07.55, 10 minutes). SS13 (Penitencier Coti-Pietra Rossa 1,

24.24km) and SS14 (Pont de Calzola-Agosta 1, 31.81km). Regroup (10.36, 25 minutes). Service G (11.01, 30 minutes). SS15 (Penitencier Coti-Pietra Rossa 2) and SS16 (Pont de Calzola-Agosta 2.

Finish ceremony starts at 14.30 (Place Foch).

* Note: Only SS13/15 and SS14/16 are identical to 2006. Two other stages haven't been used for some years, namely SS2/5 (1999) and SS9/12 (1996). SS3/6 was used in the other direction in 2006, while SS1/4 includes 4.17km that are new at the start and then uses 13.93km of SS14/16 in the opposite direction. The first 10.37km of SS7/10 were used in 2002, but the rest of the stage (11.51km) is similar to 2006. Finally, SS8/11 has 5.08km at the start which are new, as well as 6.05km in the middle, 4.85km that were used in 2002 and 10.62km at the end that were used in 2006. The 2006 Tour de Corse was run in spring (April 7-9) whereas this year's event has moved to an autumn date.

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Event Schedule

Thursday 11 October: Ceremonial start

Start Place Foch, Ajaccio 19.30

Friday 12 October: Leg 1 Ajaccio - Ajaccio

Start Port CCI 08.00

SS1 Monti Rossu - Pila Canale 18.10km 08.38

SS2 Belvedere - Bocca Albitrina 16.62km 09.46

SS3 Arbellara - Aullene 27.42km 10.44

Serv A Port CCI (30 mins) 12.54

SS4 Monti Rossu - Pila Canale 18.10km 14.02

SS5 Belvedere - Bocca Albitrina 16.62km 15.10

SS6 Arbellara - Aullene 27.42km 16.08

Serv B Port CCI (45 mins) 17.53

Finish Port CCI 18.38

Total 124.28km

Saturday 13 October: Leg 2 Ajaccio - Ajaccio

Start Place de Gaulle 08.00

Serv C Port CCI (10 mins) 08.10

SS7 Carbuccia - Scalella 21.88km 08.58

SS8 Calcatoggio - Plage du Liamone 26.55km 10.31

SS9 Vico - Col St Roch 13.04km 11.29

Serv D Port CCI (30 mins) 13.14

SS10 Carbuccia - Scalella 21.88km 14.22

SS11 Calcatoggio - Plage du Liamone 26.55km 15.55

SS12 Vico - Col St Roch 13.04km 16.53

Serv E Port CCI (45 mins) 18.13

Finish Port CCI 18.58

Total 122.94km

Sunday 14 October: Leg 3 Ajaccio - Ajaccio

Start Place de Gaulle 07.45

Serv F Port CCI (10 mins) 07.55

SS13 Penitencier Coti - Pietra Rossa 24.24km 08.53

SS14 Pont de Calzola - Agosta 31.81km 09.36

Serv G Port CCI (30 mins) 11.01

SS15 Penitencier Coti - Pietra Rossa 24.24km 12.19

SS16 Pont de Calzola - Agosta 31.81km 13.02

Finish Place Foch 14.02

Total 112.10km

Rally total 359.32km