World Rally driver Dennis Kuipers told skysports.com that he will head into Wales Rally GB full of confidence.
Dutch driver looking forward to Wales Rally GB despite gravel
FERM Power Tools driver Dennis Kuipers is relishing this week's Wales Rally GB, despite admitting the gravel surface may put him at a disadvantage.
The 25-year-old Dutchman secured a World Rally Championship career-best fifth in France at the start of October before following that up with a solid ninth place in Spain last time out, two rallies which were held on asphalt.
And although he concedes that the gravel roads of Wales would not traditionally play to his strengths, Kuipers will go into the event full of confidence.
"It's a nice rally and a gravel rally again - the last two rounds we did on tarmac. But for sure we gain a lot of confidence and experience as well," he told
skysports.com.
"We have been really happy and the car feels good, so I'm looking forward to this event."
Kuipers explained that driving on gravel results in a car that is less stable, making it harder to find an effective rhythm.
Rhythm
"On gravel it's important to keep the speed and rhythm flowing into the corners," he added.
"On gravel the car reacts more, it moves more, and we have to improve on that - to keep more speed and more rhythm into the corners.
"We are working hard on it and are trying to improve it so our pace on gravel will maybe be as good as on tarmac."
Wales Rally GB will be the final event in FERM's debut season in WRC and Kuipers is satisfied with the progress the team has made over the course of the 2011 campaign.
"The more often you sit in the car and drive the car the better it goes," he said.
"I feel that the testing we did before some events helps a lot. You have much more rhythm and you start the rally already with a feel of the car on the surface."
Small details
Kupiers added: "At the beginning of this year we were quite happy when were close to the top 10 and finishing in the top 10 was very good. But you always want more and more.
"The little details are very important at this level and getting into the top five of top eight, it's the small things that make those results happen.
"It gets harder and harder - you think you are making big steps in the beginning and now the steps are getting smaller and smaller."
However, Kuipers says there is still uncertainty over FERM's programme for the 2012 season, although he stated the team are doing their best to ensure they will continue to participate.
He said: "It's not yet been decided. We are looking at the possibilities but for sure I would like to continue. I like the sport and the way it's going, but we need to look at how we are going to do it.
"Of course we hope we can continue with FERM if FERM is happy. It's also not decided about that plan and if they are going to continue."
WRC 2 the official videogame of the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship is out now for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
