Kris Meeke plays down expectations ahead of Rally Portugal
Kris Meeke says expectations for his and Citroen's return to the World Rally Championship at this week's Rally of Portugal should be low
Meeke challenged for victory on the first two rallies of his part-time 2016 WRC programme in Monte Carlo and Sweden before each time hitting a rock and retiring.
He missed the next two rounds to focus on development of the C3 WRC for 2017, and suggest his rivals will not have to worry about him too much in Portugal.
"The DS 3 is still a perfectly capable car," Meeke told Autosport.
"We know development on this car stopped a long time ago, so I don't think people need to be worrying too much about what I'm doing this week.
"OK, we have a good place on the road, but I'm here to stay sharp and get the mileage, that's all.
"I have no championship fight to think about, nothing like that."
Meeke tested the DS 3 WRC for one day last weekend to prepare for Portugal.
"I'm definitely not short on mileage, but you do miss the competition," he said.
"Getting back into the rally environment is something I'm very much looking forward to, it's been a long time since Sweden in February."
After Portugal, Meeke will not compete in the next round in Poland as Craig Breen and Stephane Lefebvre will drive the PH Sport run cars there.
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