Quinn hoping Latvala can be key as Ford target manufacturers’ crown
Speaking at the Autosport Show in Birmingham yesterday, Quinn, a native of Macroom and senior manager of Motorsport Ford, Europe, told the Irish Examiner he expects the team of Jari Matti Latvala and new recruit, Petter Solberg to be very competitive from the outset.
That Citroen ace, Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3), has won the title for the last nine years illustrates the enormity of the task. With the exception of Sebastien Ogier, Jari Matti was the only other driver that seemed capable of challenging Loeb during the past season.
“Jari Matti is now recognised as one of the fastest drivers in the WRC,” said Quinn. “He is improving all the time and he has shown this with his improved performance on asphalt, as well as his coolness under pressure at Rally GB in 2011. I am positive he will continue to develop in these areas and build on the confidence he has gained to demonstrate a strong performance in 2012.”
Last year Ford had a dream start with the Fiesta and took a lock-out of podium positions on the first rally. While the team acknowledged minor issues, reliability is the one aspect they will be seeking to improve upon this season.
Commenting on Solberg, who will be co-driven by Irishman, Chris Patterson, Quinn said: “Petter is a valuable addition to our team. As a winner of the 2003 championship he brings a vast amount of experience. He is fast and can be competitive in the right conditions and I am sure he will be a great support for Jari-Matti in 2012.”
Endorsing Craig Breen’s success in the 2011 Ford Academy, Quinn would like to see Motorsport Ireland recognise its significance and potential to springboard young talent onto the world stage. “It would also be good to see if they [MI] will consider using the Billy Coleman Award as a feeder into recognised motorsport series such as the FIA WRC Academy so that sustainable futures are provided to the young talent discovered through the award programme.”
He also agreed that talent is not enough at this level. “In the professional motorsport environment, young drivers need to realise that being a good driver is not enough. Participating in the WRC is both a sport and a business. Fitness, strong business acumen as well as confidence in working with the media are important.
“For example, securing sponsorship is not just a question of seeking a wealthy benefactor, it is more a question of what the driver and their team can do to improve the exposure of the sponsor thereby providing an effective return on the sponsor’s investment. Much of this is incorporated into the teaching of the Academy. I don’t think many young Irish drivers realise that it’s not just about driving talent these days.”
Quinn was fulsome in his praise in the way the FIA WRC Academy was organised in 2011. “It was professionally run and provided a huge opportunity for its participants. As in any area of life, there is always room for improvement. I am sure we will see it grow in strength in 2012.”
Despite a hectic schedule that along with the WRC, also demands input in Touring Cars and Formula Ford categories, Quinn keeps in touch with the Irish scene where he has been known to lend a helping hand.
“Next weekend, my local club, the Cork Motor Club, will host the 1000 Shakes Navigation Rally. Unfortunately, due to a clash with the Monte Carlo Rally, I will not be able to assist with proceedings this year. With the difficult financial times we are now experiencing in Ireland, I would recommend that motorsport enthusiasts continue to support their motor clubs.
“It is through these clubs that we find the talent of the future. Many cost effective motorsport disciplines are offered by clubs throughout the country providing grassroots motorsport involvement that has produced several stars such as Craig Breen, Alastair Fisher and Robert Barrable.”
The Autosport Show is expected to attract some 80,000 visitors and ends on Sunday.
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