Q: Corrado, how is Richard?

Corrado Provera: "He had a health problem on Sunday, went back to his hotel in Cardiff after positive test at the weekend. He was very happy with the car and the set-ups and so on. And then suddenly he didn't feel very good. He was taken to Newport hospital. The doctors didn't discover anything special. They suggested he should go back to the hotel, which he did. On his way back to the hotel again he didn't feel very comfortable. The doctors took the decision of keeping him in hospital and as far as we know he moved to a private hospital in Cardiff and he had a scan this morning (Monday). We don't know the results."

"We are sure there is nothing really important [wrong with] him, but according to what the doctors told us it really is impossible for him to enter the rally. Of course, it is a very sad situation for him and for all of us. It is a pity for the end of his co-operation with us. We were sure he would have done something extraordinary on his home rally. Unfortunately he will not be doing it."

Q: The last few weeks have been really tough. Four rallies in six weeks. It has been a very tiring time for everyone.

CP: "Of course. Markko Martin was complaining about the fact that he couldn't recover from his neck injuries in Catalunya after the accident he had in Corsica. But I don't think the calendar is to be blamed. We don't know exactly what happened to Richard but I don't think that it is linked to the stress of so many events in a row."

"Of course, people went to see him. He is conscious, he speaks so there is no problem for him to undergo a conversation. But the doctors haven't told us exactly what is going on. I think they took the right decision by saying it was impossible to take the risk in the rally. You know that you can't take the start without being in perfect physical in mental condition, which seems not to be the case with Richard so far."

Q: It is very sad for him of course as it means he stands no chance of winning the world title.

CP: "It is a real pity because he was doing a very good rally season for us and for himself. And he still had a chance to win the drivers' title. And many chances of helping us win the manufacturers title, which is the target we are trying to reach every year. Nevertheless the whole of Peugeot Sport will be keeping fighting not only to reach the target but also in honour of Richard. We will be missing him on his last event with us and we will hoping he will recover as quickly as possible."

Q: You have brought in Freddy Loix to replace Richard but it must be a difficult task for him. His experience with the car is limited?

CP: "Yes, but thanks to the FIA comprehension we have been given the possibility of him testing the car for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon after the recce. And this is very good. The FIA comprehension of the situation is something which I must stress because it deserves it."


© Copyright wrc.com

-- Back to News --