WRC drivers expect “big challenge” in Japan
Scattered leaves and pine needles pose a threat
WRC drivers expect a “big challenge” in Japan. Leaves and pine needles have been noted by drivers to be excessively covering the asphalt stages following the recce that took place earlier this week. The condition of the roads is worse compared to last year, with some crews describing it as similar to driving on “ice”. To add to the difficulties, rain is expected on Friday. Efforts have been made to clear the roads of some of the leaves by using leaf blowers and drivers have asked for a decision on cleaning the roads, which is expected to be made later today.
“I have never seen anything like this,” said Esapekka Lappi from Hyundai. The roads are twisty, but the issue is mainly the leaves and pine needles that cover the surface, making it impossible to see the road.
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No cleaning to take place
“When it is wet, I don’t know how slippery it will be, but I guess it will be more slippery than ice sometimes. I guess we need to be very slow but let’s see maybe the rain will help, but if it is really wet we could get some mud flows from the banks.”
Team-mate Thierry Neuville added: “We have asked for it [the roads to be cleaned] but the info we have got is there will be no cleaning.
“We have seen some stages have been cleaned during the recce by people with leaf blowers. We don’t have any more information at the moment.”
Two Time World Champ ready for the challenge
Kalle Rovanpera, newly crowned two-time world champion, anticipates that the upcoming rally will be quite challenging, especially since he will be the first one on the road. Rovanpera admits that he has never been fond of such stages, as they are often narrow and complicated, which doesn’t suit him well.
Moreover, he believes that this year’s conditions will be even tougher since the roads will be covered with leaves and pine needles falling from the trees. During the recce, Rovanpera noticed that the pine needles made the road feel like ice, and in some areas, the tarmac was not visible at all.
He expects it to be even more challenging if it rains. Nevertheless, Rovanpera is determined to give his best and win the race, even though it will be a significant challenge for him.
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