22/02/06 29 Flash 3 days to go RACC Press • Tel.+34.93.495.50.29 www.rallyracc.com Loeb-Grönholm: the big duel arrives at the RallyRACC In all probability, if the result of the coming Mexico Rally does not change things drastically, Marcus Grönholm and Sébastien Loeb will be the two big favourites for the victory at the 42 RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada. They both have an impressive record with two world championship titles respectively to their credit and both Loeb (Citroën Xsara WRC) as well as Grönholm (Ford Focus RS WRC 06) will arrive in Catalunya eager to fight for the leadership of the World Rally Championship. Chances to win Sébastien Loeb - It will be difficult although I Marcus Grönholm - The Catalan race will be a hope to be able to clinch my second win in a big battle, but I’m sure that there are going to be row at the RallyRACC. After the first races, we more riders apart from Sébastien Loeb and me have been able to see that Marcus feels very with a chance to win. Moreover, you shouldn’t comfortable with his car, but we are ready to forget that it will be my first asphalt rally with fight hard for the victory. the new Ford Focus. Changes in the 2006 Technical Regulations S.L.- We have to make ourselves familiar with the M.G.- I don’t think there is going to be much di- new differential system. We have made a good fference as regards the driving style. I obviously job during the preseason and I felt comfortable have not driven the Focus RS WRC with 2005 during the first two rallies. As regards the tyres, specifications in a race and I cannot compare, we have changed from Michelin to BFGoodrich, but there’s not much of a change for me. I felt although the technicians are the same and the good and comfortable both in Monte Carlo and products have the same quality. in Sweden. Memories of the 41 RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada S.L.- It was good. The stages were very nice and M.G.- I had to withdraw at the end of the se- typical of Catalonia; it wasn’t much of a change cond day, although I liked the rally a lot. The compared to the previous rallies. I think the Ser- stages were challenging and the roads were in vice Park in PortAventura may be more practical good conditions. I’m really looking forward to the 2006 edition and I hope to win! Opinion on your rival S.L.- Marcus Grönholm is an excellent driver and M.G.- Sébastien has won the World Champions- he will be a great rival in the fight for the title. hip title twice and that speaks for itself •Shakedown in Tivissa-Serra d’Almos with service in Mora la Nova One of the novelties of the 42 RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada/Rally de España is the new location of the shakedown stage which will be covered on Thursday 23 March in the morning. The village of Falset was host to the stage where all of the team finish-off the set-up work on their machines in 2005, and this year the village of Tivissa, some 52 kms from the service park in PortA- ventura will take over. The road section chosen is on the TV-3031 road leading from Tivissa to Serra d’Almos, with a length of 3.98 kms, and the cars will be covering the stage from 08.00 to 14.00 hours, although it will be reserved for FIA priority drivers until 12 o’clock. The Shakedown Service Park will be located in Mora la Nova..