Aime’ Chatard – Michelin
Paul Hembery – Pirelli
Cédric Robert – Peugeot
Daniel Solá – Mitsubishi
François Duval – Ford
Sébastien Loeb – Citroën

Aime’ Chatard – Michelin
Q: What is your reaction to the news that Peugeot will run with Pirelli next year?
A: We have enjoyed great successes with Peugeot in the past. It is a decision they have made, we wish them all the best for the future.

Q: What are your expectations for this event?
A: We have good teams, good drivers, we hope to do well.

Q: What is your opinion about changes in the regulations concerning tyres for next year and the future?
A: The work that has been done is good, it is good to have stability in regulations on the longer term.

Paul Hembery – Pirelli

Q: Pirelli has announced that they will supply Peugeot next year. Why did this happen?
A: Our goal is winning rallies and championship titles. It is a great challenge to work with a new team. We have been very competitive on some events this season, but it is good when you have more teams.

Q: What are your expectations for this event?
A: This event is going to be difficult. The weather is crucial, and also getting the right information. When you make the wrong choice, the effect will be big.

Q: What is your opinion about changes in the regulations concerning tyres for next year and the future?
A: It is important to find a workable solution, to the benefit of teams and tyre companies, to ensure safety and stability.

Cédric Robert – Peugeot

Q: What do you expect from this event?
A: My main goal is to score points, Peugeot has shown confidence in me and I will do my best.

Q: Can the Peugeot 307 become as effective on asphalt as the 206?
A: There is no reason why we can’t be competitive here. The 307 has won Finland, if a car is good on gravel, it can be good on asphalt as well.
 
Q: What are the particularities of this rally?
A: Difficult and changing conditions, especially at Baumholder. But this is the same for everybody.

Daniel Solá – Mitsubishi

Q: This is probably one of your last rallies this year for Mitsubishi. How do you see your chances for the future ?
A: Mitsubishi have decided to take a break from rallying to concentrate on development. I am sure that this will have positive results. My goal is to do as well as I can, I am confident that it will be OK.

Q:  You won Group N here last year. Is that an advantage for this year’s event?
A: A WRC is different, but I get a lot of support from Mitsubishi and they help me to show a good performance.

Q: What are the particularities of this rally?
A: You have to be careful, finding the right set-up is crucial and this makes it very difficult.

François Duval – Ford

Q:  In Finland, you drove rather carefully. Will you be running flat-out here?
A: In Finland, we did quite well. Here, especially at Baumholder, it is easy to get a puncture, so we won’t be taking too many risks. Conditions can be similar to what I am used to from Belgium, but when it rains, it will be particularly difficult.

Q:  There is still no news about Ford’s future in the WRC. What are your plans for 2005?
A: There is no information yet, maybe we will know a little bit more by next week. I think it is very important for the championship that Ford stays in the series. We have done a lot of development on the Focus and I am sure that we can do well.

Q:  So far, Belgians always did well on this event. Are conditions similar to Belgian rallies?
A: Especially on the first day, the stages are quite similar to what you find in Belgium. If it rains on the first day, it would surely be an advantage for me, as I am familiar with these conditions.

Sébastien Loeb – Citroën

Q:  Given your current position in the championship, is scoring points more important for you than winning?
A: Yes, first of all, it is important to make it to the finish. We will push hard in the early stages, but if we find that we have to take too much risk to win, we will slow down a little bit.

Q:  You had an accident in testing before this event. Does this affect your confidence?
A: I had a crash at Baumholder, but everything is okay now. My confidence is not affected at all. Of course, it is difficult here when it rains, as we saw last year.

Q:  You have an amazing record at this rally. Is there something here that suits you in particular?
A: Yes, it is an event that I like. It is great to come back on asphalt after so many gravel rallies. The stages here are a little bit like in the Alsace, where I was born. Also, there are a lot of fans coming to this rally, so that is an extra motivation boost for me.