Rally-eMag Dec. 2013 / The Inside View
Then there was Elfyn ‘Elf’ Evans. He
had his fair share of misfortune this
year, but there were some standout results which speak for themselves. He
challenged a former Formula One driver during the latter half of the season
– Robert Kubica even declaring that Elfyn was something special – and then
there was that incredible sixth place finish in Sardinia
How many drivers can boast a result
of that calibre on their debut in a world
rally car? Sebastien Ogier can’t, and
neither can Sebastien Loeb! Working for as well as driving for M-Sport,
he has become truly integrated within
the team – something which could see
him go far in the years to come. As it
stands, his 2014 programme is yet to
be confirmed, but I for one would like to
see him back on the WRC stage.
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Of course I cannot go without mentioning Nasser [At-Attiyah] and Giovanni
[Bernacchini] either – two of the loveliest people I have ever had the privilege
of working with. They enjoyed their best
ever start to a WRC season this year
with a string of top-five finishes; and
their achievements in the Middle East
were inspirational.
They are both a joy to work with. They
have time for everyone and I don’t think
I’ve ever seen either of them without
a smile on their face. For a man of
Nasser’s talent to be so down to earth
and approachable is testament to his
warm character, and he always managed to make a smile appear on my
face too!