News and Quotes Shakedown

Before the drivers celebrate the show start tomorrow in Prague, the shakedown was on the agenda today. This was the last opportunity for the teams to test under competition conditions and to prepare their cars for the coming days.

#33 Elfyn Evans (GBR) / Scott Martin (GBR), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid

"The first shakedown run was quite good. We made a few small mistakes which cost us a few tenths. Apart from that, the car ran great. The rally itself is completely new for us and that means a lot of preparation work. The recce showed that it will probably be a slippery affair. The grip doesn't seem to be very high. Moreover, the weather is supposed to change. It will certainly be an exciting rally."

#11 Thierry Neuville (BEL) / Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL), Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid

"My shakedown was okay. Our pre-event test didn't go so well and that's why we have a lot of work to do now. But I think we were able to work out something acceptable. The coming days will be exciting. The tracks look really interesting. Friday will be a challenge. On Saturday and Sunday the track profile is different. It is also supposed to be drier and therefore a bit easier. But Friday is the crucial day."

#17 Sébastien Ogier (FRA) / Vincent Landais (FRA), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid

"The shakedown was a bit chaotic. There was a long delay before our start and I had to start on cold tyres. We also started the second lap a bit late. But better we have the problems today than in the coming days. We are all expecting a difficult challenge. The tracks, which are not easy, and also the weather are a difficult combination. It will be about who can adapt best to the conditions."

#4 Esapekka Lappi (FIN) / Janne Ferm (FIN), Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid

"The shakedown was quite okay. We had small problems which we are solving at the moment. Then we start on another lap. But the car is behaving well. It is interesting that the rally is being held in three different countries. It will be a challenge for the organisers. The Czech tracks are different from the German sections. I think it will be a good show for the fans and an interesting rally for the drivers."

#18 Takamoto Katsuta (JPN) / Aaron Johnston (IRL), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid

"We had problems and had to stop. So it was not easy to get the right feeling. Apart from that, everything is good. From country to country, the character of the tracks is different. It's difficult and unique. Abwer I have to admit that the weather makes me nervous."

#3 Teemu Suninen (FIN) / Mikko Markkula (FIN), Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid

"It's been going well so far. I am very happy with the car. It's my first time driving it in an asphalt rally. The Central European Rally feels like three smaller rallies in one event. It seems that the days are very different from each other - different characteristics and different types of asphalt. You have to know your car very well to be able to adapt to that."

#7 Pierre-Louis Loubet (FRA) / Benjamin Veillas (FRA), Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid

"We have completed two laps. It's nice to be back in the car. The feeling wasn't completely there yet. But we are now working step by step to improve it. The rally will be a big challenge as it's new for everyone."

#13 Grégoire Munster (LUX) / Louis Louka (BEL), Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid

"My shakedown didn't go so well. The pre-event test didn't go as planned. One part is already sealed and we have to work with that now. We are trying our best. The rally will be difficult. There is already a lot of mud and rain is supposed to come. The aim will be to make as few mistakes as possible."