Qatar M-Sport midday quotes on Day 3 in Finland

Mads Østberg (2nd): “This afternoon will be the same as this morning – driving to the maximum without going over the limit. It seems like Thierry [Neuville] is taking more risks than me, but we managed to take a lot of time off him on the first and last two stages [SS16 and SS19].

Mads Ostberg and Jonas Andersson, Ford Fiesta RS WRC, Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team

Photo by: XPB Images

“The two middle stages [SS17 and SS18] were not perfect and I struggled to find the rhythm at the start of Ouninpohja [SS18]. But we turned it around towards the end and there are a lot of places where I know I can be quicker this afternoon.

“I don’t think you’ll see any team orders. Everyone wants to see this fight – it’s a great battle and I think we’re both really enjoying it!”

Thierry Neuville (3rd): “There is only one plan for this afternoon and that is to push to the maximum again. I think we were slightly faster than Mads [Østberg], but on the first stage [SS16] we lost five seconds overshooting a junction. Then on the last one [SS19] we completely lost the tyres. I had no traction so I had to give up second… again!

“Honestly I was really surprised with our speed in Ouninpohja [SS18]. I’ve done it only once before and then I was really slow. This year the pacenotes were perfect and I really enjoyed the driving. I think it was the best stage I have ever driven in my life!”

Evgeny Novikov (8th): “We tried to push on every stage apart from Ouninpohja [SS18], but for some reason the times still aren’t coming. I really don’t know what it is because I feel as though we are driving well without making any mistakes. All we can do now is stay on the road and continue to check the notes ahead of next year.”

Qatar M-Sport