Dakar 2009 Stage 8: Interviews - Cars

Carlos Sainz (Sp – Volkswagen) - 301

“As long as the rally isn’t over, then nothing is certain. Today was the first time we have driven on tracks. In fact, this stage was very much like a traditional rally stage. Up until now, those are the first real tracks that I’ve seen. But it was very nice, very slippery and sometimes quite tricky. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and I hope that we’ll carry on being as successful as we have been today”.

 

Mark Miller (USA – Volkswagen) - 308

“There were a lot of chances to lose the rally today and no chances of making up any time, so it’s not the kind of stage built for me. It was perfect for Carlos (Sainz) and the guys that like the rally stuff. At every turn there was a chance to ruin your race. It was difficult for me, but I did better than I expected so it was a success for me. Starting fifth or sixth tomorrow, maybe it’s an advantage, we’ll see”.

 

Nani Roma (Sp – Mitsubishi) - 304

“We came really close today. After 50 km we had a puncture, a double puncture in fact. We changed a front wheel and re-inflated a rear tire, so we lost quite a bit of time. As regards the gap at the end, after what happened on the stage, it’s not bad at all. It was a really nice stage in driving terms, but also the type of stage on which Carlos is very good. 

But he’s also good at off-track racing. Anyway, in rally-raids there are always surprises. Now we’re going to be faced with two or three very difficult days. Everything can change, and we won’t not let anything go. Just wait and see”.