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Røkland “much more prepared” for 2016 ERC Junior bid

Steve Røkland reckons he's "much more prepared" to bid for ERC Junior success in 2016 ahead of his campaign finally getting underway on the Circuit of Ireland, round two of the FIA European Rally Championship.

The Norwegian says he's "been waiting for the new season to start for many months" having been the first driver to enter this year's Rally Liepāja, only for the event to then be postponed until September due to mild weather.

"I feel much more prepared for this season than I was last season, and have also started the season with three wins in the Norwegian championship," said Røkland, who will drive a Peugeot 208 R2 again this year after he finished fourth in ERC Junior in 2015.

"This year we have also got great support from Peugeot Sport and we decided very early to keep going in ERC Junior because of the great coverage on Eurosport, which is good for us and our sponsors."

Røkland crashed out of fourth in ERC Junior just one kilometre from the finish of ‘the Circuit' last year, but hopes to use his experience of Northern Irish rallying to score a podium this time.

He added: "Unfortunately do I have a small injury in my back after a training camp, but I hope it will be fine when I get into the stage!"

Zdroj: fiaerc.com