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
“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.”
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