Olivier Burri: 22nd start at the "Monte
He's already finished with the Rallye International du Valais. But that obviously doesn't stop Olivier Burri from focusing on other rallies - for example the "Monte". From January 20 to 26, 2020, Olivier Burri will compete in the Rally Monte Carlo for the 22nd time. He revealed this to swissrally.ch. But [...]
From January 20 to 26, 2020, Olivier Burri will compete in the Rally Monte Carlo for the 22nd time. He revealed this to swissrally.ch. But what is it about what is arguably the most legendary rally of all time that appeals to Burri so much?
Olivier Burri: "The complexity of the stages. It's still the rally that demands the most from you in terms of approach. You often get into situations that you don't anticipate. It requires strategic and analytical thinking. That's what makes it so appealing."
Brand change
At his 22nd "Monte", Burri will not rely on a Skoda Fabia R5 as he did last time for the Valais victory, but will pilot a VW Polo R5.
Olivier Burri: "Under certain conditions, the Polo is the best car. It has the best chassis, provided it's set up correctly, but not necessarily the best engine, even if it's very powerful. The difference is in the chassis. And this one is ideal for the Monte Carlo Rally."
An old hand with respectable successes
Burri has seen the checkered flag 16 times in his 20 appearances at the Rally Monte Carlo to date. His best results were two seventh places overall in 1993 (Ford Sierra Cosworth) and 1997 (Subaru Impreza 555). He was also seventh in 2009 (on Abarth Grande Punte S2000), but that was when the Rally Monte Carlo only had IRC and not WRC status. In 2007, the four-time Swiss rally champion won in Group N. To prepare, the 56-year-old from Belprahon will contest the Rally du Devoluy near Gap (F) from December 13 to 15.
Information: swissrally.ch and Christian Eichenberger/ASS
