Tables turn for motorsport writer

The German, a long-time WRC and ERC correspondent, will swap his pencil and notepad for driving gloves and a steering wheel as he jumps aboard a Toksport-prepared Renault Clio Rally5 for round two of the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). 

It won’t be the first time Kuhn has driven a rally car. He previously contested Rally RACC - Rally de España in 2017 with a Ford Fiesta R2T and has started several national rallies over the years.

"We are there to get through and enjoy being in the same lines as the best drivers fighting for the European Rally Championship title," said Kuhn. 

“On one hand there are spectacular flowing and narrow gravel stages in great nature, but it is also one of the most challenging rallies due to the sudden and extreme weather changes. It's not forgiving at all for mistakes if you get out of line."

As well as carrying WRC+ support, Kuhn has called on the help of reigning ERC and WRC2 champion Andreas Mikkelsen.

The Norwegian provided some handy tips on pace note systems, which could prove vital for Kuhn and his co-driver Tim Rauber. 

"Andreas' system is the same as mine, based on numbers from one to six to describe the corner radius," he explained. 

"I learned how important it is in bad weather conditions, not only to be very precise with the distances, but also with the details to the turn in, corner and turn out.

"There is a very small line - for him to be still fast, and for an amateur like me to stay out of trouble!"

• Full coverage from the Azores Rally will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.