Alister McRae Q&A

"You can't be too confident before this rally, but the car has been improving all year and the shakedown was good, no problems at all. For me, the car felt competitive, so I think there's a possibility to get a top six here. If I can have a clean run then that is my aim. This rally is difficult, so you never know what can happen."


"We did two days in Wales before Sanremo and, obviously, the shakedown in the Forest of Dean. To be honest, we struggled a bit in New Zealand when it was wet and muddy, but I would say we have a better set-up for those conditions now. I think we can be competitive here."


"It depends. If it stays just wet and windy then it's no problem. It's when it gets snowy and icy - especially in the mornings - that's when it could affect it quite heavily. At the moment, looking at the sky just now, it's wet and raining but quite mild, so I don't think it's going to have such an impact, as long as it's consistent."


"As any event, I'll be going as quickly as I can go and try not to make any mistakes."


"It's going well, but it's been a difficult year because it's such a busy program - it's 11 events while trying to develop your first-ever World Rally Car. The main thing is that we've set some good stage times, while Kenneth [Eriksson, his team-mate] has had a couple of good results in New Zealand and Australia. The potential is there. It's not quite a winner yet but it's not so far away, especially on gravel. We've got a lot to do on asphalt, but it's good and it's improving - you can't ask for anything more."


"Still pretty hectic. They've got to start testing for Monte Carlo, which is an event they haven't done. Then there will be an evolution of that car which will be homologated in the first half of next year. I think they'll be gearing up for an even busier program of all 13 events, and also developing the evolution for whenever it's ready to be introduced. Busier than ever, all round."


"I'm not confirmed at the team yet, although I'm in discussions now. I think the team and car have the capabilities, with the on-going developments at the moment, to fight for points positions, especially on gravel events next year."


"Both of them are in difficult positions, I think more so Marcus. To be told you only need to score two points, even if Richard wins the rally, it is still going to be a difficult job. Richard's got nothing to lose and can go 100% to try and win the rally and in some ways I think that's easier. The Network Q always throws spanners in the works and I'm sure those two won't escape that. We need to see who will cope best."


"If he's confident and happy with the car, why not? Concentration levels and everything work better when you're going flat-out. Nobody likes to drive at 80 or 85%. Maybe that's the right attitude and hope it all goes well."


"Obviously, for me personally, I would prefer Colin to win. I'd like a Scotsman to win this rally, and if I can't then I'd like my brother to do it."