Zoom Encouraging potential from Casier overall

Bernd Casier and co-driver Frédéric Miclotte did not succeed in reaching the end of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge's sixth round on Sunday, when an off-road trip forced them to retire during the morning.

It was another blow to the crew's aspirations of a good result at the Czech Republic's Barum Rally Zlin, especially since their Volkswagen Polo Super 2000 had made its way back up to 11th place overall following a time-costly crash the day before.

Casier did not conceal his disappointment when looking back at the results of this week-end.

"It was a small mistake with heavy consequences," he admitted. "It was entirely my fault."

"On a bridge, the car understeered and I hit a barrier," he explained. "The Polo S2000 was intact from a mechanical perspective but the starter's wire was ripped off by the shock. It was impossible to restart by pushing the car because the route had a steep slope."

After Friday evening's opening stage in Zlin before a crowd of thousands, the Barum Rally had not started off on the right foot.

"I wasn't in the right rhythm during the first stages because of a bad setup. Afterwards, the René Georges team modified it and I found a Polo Super 2000 setup better suited to my needs," Casier elaborated, before adding: "Unfortunately, a puncture then cost me a minute."

René Georges saw many positive signs despite the troubles: "We do not have to feel ashamed of our performances on this event."

"During the whole race, our Polo Super 2000 proved itself extremely reliable. Furthermore, it was a first IRC experience beyound our borders. We confronted teams which contest the entirety of this very competitive championship," he underlined.

"Certain drivers accumulate long test sessions before each round," Georges pointed out as well. "In such a context, Bernd's times were encouraging."

Daniel BASTIEN
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