Interview with Andreas Aigner
06 Jan 2014

Briefly before facing the new ERC Season, Andreas Aigner FIA ERC Production Class Champion spoke to David Oliva, responsible for YOKOHAMA Europe communications. 

Q: In this first season of the FIA ERC you have achieved the Championship in the Production Class category.  What are your thoughts on this?

I´m very happy about our season, to win the production cup is really great for us. We had a few fantastic rallies, were we were able to fight for some good overall stage times as well. 

Q: What have been the main difficulties you encountered?

To stay focused on our main target. Win the production cup. Not to try to win overall ;)

Q: What have you learnt from this season?  

Really to keep an eye on our material, to bring out the best performance on the long stages of the ERC.

Q: What do you consider to be your main strengths?

To challenge with new things very quickly. In rally the conditions are changing all the time.

Q: Do you follow any special training routines for fitness and stamina leading up to each season? 

Not really, although I do a lot of stamina building training and do a combination of activities to keep fitness levels.

Q: Is success in Motorsports down to skillful driving or is it about team work?

It is about both.  Without driving skills it is not possible to achieve good results while at the same time, without a good team and partnerships again it is not possible to get far.

Q: What would you tell a young person who is keen in pursuing a career in Motorsport?

Difficult question, though the most important thing is to enjoy what one does. 

Q: What do you think of the YOKOHAMA Tyres you used this year?

We used two different types.  I was very positively surprised with both and they really worked well.  They worked particularly well with the Subaru car in slippery and very difficult conditions and from the results achieved it is clear for all to see.

Q: How has the collaboration with the Stohl Racing team worked?

The team led by Manfred Stohl has done a great job. Through years of experience, also in international rallies you can rely 100% on these guys.  The fact we had not a single technical problem in 2013 speaks for itself.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

At the moment we start again in January at the Jänner rally with a Peugeot 207 S2000. It is on home soil and we cannot miss this opportunity to be there.

Q: What is your wish for 2014?

I would really like to contest the whole season. The Championship is really fun and exciting and has attracted many people who participate and push the level even higher in rallying sport. This is great.