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The three-time Chinese Rally Champion will contest the rally alongside co-driver Anthony McLoughlin in a Stobart branded Ford Focus RS WRC, but will not be nominated for points at the final round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship. Regular team-mates Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin and Henning Solberg/Stephane Prévot will also drive under the Stobart M-Sport Ford banner in Wales and will be the team’s nominated point-scorers for the event.
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Liu Chao Dong – welcome to the Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team! Can you please tell us a bit about your rallying history and how you first got into motorsport?
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I started when I was 15-years-old in Chongqing (China) driving a front wheel drive VW Jetta at a super special event. I began competing in the Chinese Rally Championship (CRC) in 2002 and was Chinese National Rally Champion for the first time in 2004.
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You recently did some testing in the Ford Focus RS WRC at M-Sport – how did you like the car?
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The car was very good but extremely different to a Group N car. There is a lot to learn about the [Ford] Focus RS WRC but I am looking forward to getting to know more at Wales Rally GB.
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What are your thoughts about Wales Rally GB, do you think it will be a good rally for you?
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I hope so! We did the recce for Wales Rally GB in 2007 so I have some knowledge of the event and what to expect - it is not completely unknown to me. But that was three years ago now and some of the stages have changed so I know I must concentrate hard when doing the recce again next week and not just rely on my memory. I think it will be a tricky rally because of the weather and it will be slippery everywhere.
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What has been your best memory/highlight as a rally driver?
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Being three-times Chinese Rally Champion and testing the Ford Focus RS World Rally Car. It was great to get behind the wheel of a car that has so much power.
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What has been your worst moment?
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In 2009 when we lost the championship. The start of year was good but we were unlucky at the end of the year when we just lost the championship by only a few points – it was very disappointing. I hope to make up for my bad luck last year and to win my fourth Chinese Rally Championship title this season.
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What is your fitness regime like?
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I like to do a lot of dirt bike riding in my home city of Chongqing and I play lots of golf. I like to keep fit and healthy – it’s important to maintain a high level of fitness to be a successful rally driver.
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Who is your motorsport idol?
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I like the Finnish drivers like Tommi Makinen and Marcus Grönholm. They were at their best and winning world titles when I first started taking an interest in rallying.
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Tell us a bit about your home life?
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My normal week usually consists of working in the family business and I try to play golf twice a week. Also on the weekend I like to practice in the rally car to make sure I am ready for the next event. I also like to spend time with my daughter and new son.
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Favourite holiday destination?
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Shanya which is an island close to Hong Kong in southern China. The weather is nice there all year round.
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Favourite food?
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I live in Chongqing in the centre of China and we eat very spicy food. The hotter, the better!
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Where do you aim to be in three years time?
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I want to ensure I remain the best driver in China and I’d love to get more experience driving in the WRC.
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