I wanted to translate the whole interview that EstWRC mentioned above. I think I haven't seen Ott so downbeat before. I know it was just after the rally but he sounded in a way so hopeless. I don't know if I could read between the lines this time but basically he is fed up with the tyres, lack of testing (and changes that could be made) and he misses Adamo.
Q: Ott, you finished Rally Portugal on 6th place. There were many problems and difficult situations. Now when looking back, how would you sum up these 3 days?
A: My initial thought is that we couldn't hope for more. The test before the rally was very short and I didn't get any good emotion and feeling from there. Rally went the same way. During the rally we tried to understand, learn and improve but rally is not a place for that (in another interview after day 2 he said that they basically can test but the things they can test and modify, it is very limited).
Q: During the rally, could you understand that are the problems fundamental or are there many small mistakes that need to be fixed and changed?
A: There are many issues and there are some things that I have hard time to get used to or adapt to drive fast. Some things go against my instinct.
Q: When they announced new cars, many thought that now you could have input in development and could make the car suitable for you. Aren't things quite as successful with car development from your point of view as you would have liked?
A: There was no car development. Basically the car was ready 1 month before Monte, we had two tests and the season started. There is no development. And the team is structurally in a relatively difficult place at the moment. It is not easy...
Q: Before the Portugal, it was said that this car is meant for gravel rallies and now when it came out that Toyota is above anyone else, does this realization increase depression even more?
A: I can't tell who said that, that this car was meant for gravel. I didn't think that for once. But there are many opinions.
Q: It was the team boss who said that in one of the interviews before the rally...
A: He is a very positive guy. He says a lot of things.
Q: Looking at the overall standings, one guy is far away, others grouped together behind. What is your motivation for the next upcoming rallies? To get in front of the closest group? Catching the leader is basically impossible with clean driving?
A: It's very difficult to take this whole series (WRC) seriously. We have many other very deep problems. This point gap is the smallest of issues at the moment.
Q: It is 1.5 weeks until Rally Sardegna. What can can you do with this short time and what is the plan in-between?
A: We have 1 testing day and basically nothing else. They try quickly prepare the cars. There is nothing else that can be done.
Q: The info and notes you gathered from this rally, could the team use some of it?
A: Can't tell, we'll see. There will be a longer meeting in the evening and we'll see what could we do with such a short time but generally it is difficult.
