Wilson given ‘scorer’ honour after strong start to season
Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 28 February 2008
THE Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team start this weekend’s Corona Rally Mexico in second place in the World Rally manufacturer standings.
After a sensational podium finish for Gigi Galli in Sweden earlier this month is again a nominated scorer for the team.
The second scorer is West Cumbrian Matthew Wilson who has had a very promising start to the season.
Stobart regular Henning Solberg have jumped ship in aid of fellow M-Sport-run outfit the Munchi’s Ford which is making its first appearance in this year’s championship.
For Galli this is his first event on gravel in the Stobart Focus RS WRC07 and the 35-year-old was relishing the opportunity like a raging bull.
The only time he competed in Mexico was not the greatest - with suspension issues forcing him to retire on stage six back in 2004.
Wilson, 21, is looking to continue on from his form in Sweden which saw him in a Sunday showdown for fifth position before throttle issues forced his retirement on the penultimate stage.
Sporting the number eight for this event it is the youngster’s first as a nominated point scoring driver for the Stobart team since Wales Rally GB back in 2006.
Rally Mexico is well known for its vibrant atmosphere and heavy spectator interest which last year saw over 60,000 gather in Guanajuato, a UNESCO world heritage listed mining town, which again staged the ceremonial start this year.
Galli said before heading for Mexico: “I just really want to be in Mexico right now. I feel like a horse before a big race raring to go.
“I competed on this event in 2004 but only got through five stages; however we did do the recce in 2005 and 2006 which I think will help a lot.
“Mexico is such a wonderful place to go and the atmosphere of the fans is incredible. The people also manage the roads very well there which makes them quite enjoyable to drive on.”
Wilson said: “It’s great to be nominated to score points for the Stobart team again. There will be a bit more pressure on me now but it’s a real boost to be able to help the team after such a great start to the year.
“Mexico has always been quite a good rally for me and it’s where I scored my first drivers’ points in last year’s championship.
“It’s a bit of a shame not going into the event with any points from Sweden but we will look to get some here.”
And Stobart VK M-Sport Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson said: “The team head to Mexico sitting in a great position and with a good chance of finishing the event still in a top-three manufacturer spot.
“Altitude plays a big part in this rally and it will be tough on both drivers as the temperatures are much higher than the previous two events.
“Matthew has a great opportunity to score points for the team here and has shown a steady improvement on his speed over the first two events.”
