Breen is planning a measured approach to Sweden
The Irishman starts second on the road in Umeå’s second round of the season and accepts that the grip under his hybrid-powered Ford Puma can be jeopardized if snow falls between recce and rally.
With only Kalle Rovanperä’s Toyota GR Yaris in front of him, Breen knows that he will be forced to sweep away loose snow, which makes a faster route for those who follow.
“We have to wait to see the conditions,” said Breen, “but I want to try to save as many points as possible from the weekend to try to keep the place in the drivers’ championship.”
Although Breen is fourth in the championship after the season opener Rallye Monte-Carlo, it is realistically second considering that Sébastiens Loeb and Ogier only compete in sub-programs.
Video: Top 5 reasons to watch Rally Sweden
“We are on our way to the asphalt in Croatia after this, it will be a little more level there – but in general it is better to be at the forefront of an asphalt round.
– The starting position we have in Sweden will make it difficult. A good result in Monte-Carlo makes Sweden generally tough – it is no coincidence that Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier have so many wins in Monte, but not many in Sweden.
“It is because they have suffered from the road position [in Sweden]. We will do what we can and, as I said, try to take all the points we can. “
This week’s event will be Breen’s first rally as a live team leader, with Monte winner Loeb absent from the British team this time.
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“It’s not something I’ve really thought about, to be honest,” Breen said. “I have done more Sweden than Gus [Greensmith] and Adrien [Fourmaux] and of course I am there if they need help, but they are intelligent drivers and they know what they are doing.
“The way I look at it is, if we do well in the drivers ‘championship, then it’s to take care of the manufacturers’ championships as well.”
• Full coverage from Rally Sweden is available at WRC + All Live hereincluding each stage broadcast when it takes place, as well as important interviews, features and expert analyzes from the service park.
