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Kris Meeke and Chris Patterson - JWRC Preview

Posted: January 18, 2005 11:48 AM - 4741 Hits

Kris Meeke and co-driver Chris Patterson, driving their McRae Motorsport Kronos Racing Citroen C2, are one of the 13 crews registered for the 2005 Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC).
Their first event in the championship will be later this week on the world renowned Monte Carlo Rally (21-23rd January).

Posted: January 18, 2005 11:48 AM

During December the team tested the car on tarmac in the south of France, completing over 400kms in preparation for the new season. Last week Kris had the opportunity to drive the Citroen on its first gravel run, working mainly on suspension settings. After 300kms on loose surface roads near Ales in France. Kris praised the cars reliability and was very encouraged by the progress achieved.

Kris first drove the C2 on its JWRC debut in Catalunya, the last round of the 2004 JWRC. "I was challenging for a podium position when I lost time due to a puncture at high speed resulting in a minor off road excursion. I battled my way back up the leader board to finish in 6th place. The Monte car will be a step ahead of the C2 I used in Spain, however I am really looking forward to March when we should be able to make significant improvements following the homologation of new parts," said Kris.

This is Kris’s third attempt at this classic event. In 2004 he claimed a podium position, finishing 3rd overall despite losing 7 mins when he had to stop to change two punctures. Kris reported "I am as confident you can be before an event which is as unpredictable as Monte-Carlo. During the past two years I have gained valuable experience and I know how difficult the event will be, especially for the two wheel drive cars if the weather turns wintery in the mountains. I am now with a well structured, experienced team in Kronos Racing and am looking forward to working with them during the coming season. There may be only 13 drivers registered for the championship but there are six or seven drivers capable of winning each event, so it is going to be very competitive."

During 2004 Kris recorded ten fastest stage times in the JWRC, comfortably making him the most successful non-factory supported driver in the championship despite mechanical problems hampering his progress on several events throughout the season.