Martin targets Loeb in Japan
With just six rallies left to contest this year, Ford's Markko Martin knows that time is running out for him to get his hands on the championship. In this weekend's Rally Japan, therefore, the Estonian plans to close the gap to points leader Sebastien Loeb (Citroen)
Martin is currently 29 points adrift of the Frenchman in second place, but faces stiff competition from those behind him with just eight points separating him from sixth-placed driver Francois Duval (Ford).
"In championship terms the battle for second place is currently very tight," Martin said. "But from my point of view I want to be fighting for first not second place so I have to start closing the gap on leader Sebastien Loeb. The championship is now at the point where each event must be considered on its own merits. This rally and the next event in Great Britain are both gravel rallies and if I am to have any chance of winning the title I need to close in on Sebastien on these two rallies."
Neither Martin nor team-mate Duval have even been to Japan before, let alone driven there, but neither are concerned and acknowledge that all the top drivers will be in the same position.
"I cannot really say anything about Rally Japan because I know little," Martin said. "I enjoy tackling new rallies and if we come back from Japan with the same kind of result that we achieved in Mexico then I will be delighted. As with any new event it will be important to ensure the pace notes are accurate. With just two practice runs through the stages, there will be little opportunity to correct mistakes and this is one area on which we must work hard during the recce."
Duval added: "New rallies coming into the championship, like Japan, give me an advantage. On most events I have less experience and less knowledge of the stages than the other drivers. But all the top drivers will start this rally with no previous competitive experience there and that makes it more equal. I think it's possible for me to finish inside the top five."
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