Marti to return to WRC for one-off appearance

Experienced co-driver Marc Marti has returned to the WRC with Andorran driver Albert Llovera.

Llovera, a regular in the S-WRC onboard a Fiat Grande Punto S2000, is the only driver in the WRC without the use of his legs (he competed in the 1984 Olympic Games, in downhill skiing, but it was a skiing accident which lost him the use of his legs), as he is a paraplegic. Instead he uses hand controls, two paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, right paddle for throttle, left paddle for brake. The car uses an automatic gearbox, instead f the car’s usual sequential gearbox. Aside from those mentioned alterations, the car is a standard Grande Punto S2000 rally car.

Marti sat with Citroen No.2 Dani Sordo throughout his WRC career, winning the J-WRC with Citroen before moving to the Citroen World Rally Team full-time in 2007, but failed to score a win in almost four seasons with Citroen. Marti was replaced by fellow Spaniard Deigo Vallejo before Rallye Deutschland.

“I have a solid friendship with Albert; we’ve known each other for many years. I think Albert is admirable considering how well he has been able to overcome his difficulties, and he is also an excellent person.

“When I stopped racing with Sordo he asked me to race together at the RallyRACC, but at that time I wasn’t really fond of going back to racing. But then, thinking it over, I realised that taking part in our home rally, with somebody I admire so much and who could use my help, somebody who is a true example for our sport, would be an excellent culmination for my sports career, so I thought, why not?

“Besides, being at the RallyRACC but out of the S-WRC will allow us to make a better work on Albert’s notes, and enjoy a lot more of this wonderful rally, without actually interfering with the job of his current co-driver, Borja Rozada.”

Both Spaniards, who have never been partnered together, are to make a one-off appearance at their home event, Rallye de Catalunya, but more events have not been written off.

“I don’t know what I am going to do in the future. I don’t want to race just for the sake of racing; I would, if there would be an interesting programme or a truly motivating option as the one Albert has offered me. My idea is to enjoy doing things.”

Llovera appears to be, in the works of Ken Block, ‘stoked’ about having someone of Marti’s calibre in the right-hand seat.

“I asked him some time ago and my wish will finally come true. I wanted to race with Marc not only because he is a long-time friend of mine, but also because I wanted to have somebody with huge experience by my side who will be able to help me improving. It is a great chance for me to learn, to have new feelings next to a great professional.

“I really enjoy working and evolving; I’m actually up for everything. The fact of having a co-driver of such a class working with me is of great value, and for him, it shouldn’t be any more difficult than usual. I will have the privilege of racing with a co-driver who has already been on top of the World Championship.”

Raikkonen lines out 2011 career paths

Citroen Junior Team driver Kimi Raikkonen has been running through his choices for next year, after having been presented with offers both within rallying and F1.

Raikkonen left the F1 scene last year after his contract with Ferrari came to an end. Having only three starts in a rally car, he was thrown completely into the deep end after signing with the Citroen Junior Team, partnering up-and-coming French star Sebastian ‘Seb 2.0’ Ogier.

Since his surprise signing with the French marque, he has scored 21 points, his highest position so far has been fifth on Rally Turkey. He has a bit of a poor start to the year however, he crashed out of the first two events of the year, ending up in a snow bank in Sweden and exiting Mexico in spectacular fashion, rolling many times after clipping a bank.

Raikkonen is rumoured to have been approached by MINI, possibly being backed by Red Bull. Signing for the Monster Energy WRT has been rumoured, and renewing his Citroen Junior Team contract hasn’t been ruled out, neither has a return to F1 with Renault.

An altogether retirement from motorsport in general is a third option, but he says he would like to stay in the WRC, but is in no rush to decide.

“I’m enjoying it so far, but I’ve not made up my mind what I’m doing yet. Quite soon I hope I will know but there is no rush.”