Evgeny Novikov starts at Rally Mexico

Evgeny Novikov opens the programme of his international performances in the WRC in 2011 – next week he participates in the first gravel round of this series which is held in Mexico, Leon’s suburbs.

The Russian driver arrives in Mexico on Sunday and since Monday he will start working: administrative scrutineering, reconnaissance, Shakedown and three days of the rally itself.

The ceremonial start of the second WRC round is held on 3 March 2011, Thursday.

This season Evgeny Novikov drives Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Stephane Prevot, one of the most experienced co-drivers of the WRC, will be in the crew of Evgeny.

Evgeny Novikov: By objective reasons I am not planning to fight for the high results in Mexico and not going to drive to the limit. It is a wonderful opportunity to re-drive the WRC car and to renovate my form before the European rounds. As in fact I haven’t had a chance before to test the car and I will have a first chance to try M-Sport Stobart Ford Fiesta RS WRC at Rally Mexico’s shakedown. That’s why I consider Mexico as an ideal place to get acquainted with the car. As for the car itself I feel that it should be better in handling than the cars from the previous generation. Regarding the Swedish Rally results I am looking forward to drive the car. The new class is a novelty for everyone and everyone needs some time to adapt and get used to new cars.

Foto: almrally.ru

Rally Mexico has its history since 2004. The Headquarters is situated in Leon, 400 km out of the capital – Mexico City – to the northern-west. Every participant likes this rally due to the interesting road and nice support of the local motor sport fans.

The rally has some peculiarities – on some special stages crews have to rise at 2800 m above sea level. In such conditions not only drivers feel hard but their cars as well– engines could loose 30% of power. It will be the first time when the crew will drive on Mexicans roads: such difficult, such fast, with different altitudes.

Stephane Prevot: For sure he can be very fast and his potential is 200 per cent. He does not have the experience as many others does and the deal for Mexico is quite late so he does not know the car. But his talent is known and I am very motivated to have this opportunity to work with him again. He’s still young and if he can be patient and use this season to learn again then he can be very good. But a driver is the boss and if he feels he can go for the win then I will do my best to help him.