Wilson: "We're learning"

ByEurosport

Published 25/03/2006 at 10:30 GMT

Youngster Matthew Wilson (Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team) is improving over the course of the WRC Catalunya Rally. In his first WRC season, the budding Brit used the first loop-stage of Leg One as a learning experience before upping the aggression in

2006 Catalunya Stobart Ford Wilson

Image credit: From Official Website

Nineteen year-old Wilson has adjusted well to the technical conditions on the hot Catalunyan tarmac in his first competitive rally in Spain. The WRC newcomer and his co-driver Michael Orr revised their pace notes in Friday's second loop-stage after finding their BF Goodrich tyres gripped more than anticipated.

Throughout Leg One and in the early stages of Leg Two the Stobart Fords have suffered no mechanical problems; the difficulties for the rookie coming rather from the course and the conditions.

"The last stage seemed to work quite well but the slow corners with loads and loads of cuts were difficult to comprehend," said Wilson. "You have the whole car off the road and the rocks are massive, they bang under the car and it's difficult to have the confidence to take the corners like that.

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"The afternoon was a lot better than the morning, my pace has definitely picked up. It's such a difference driving full tarmac spec, just how low the car is and how stiff it's sprung. Some parts of the stages are like race track, but others are very bumpy, so it's always a compromise."

In what is considered to be the first real asphalt rally of the season, Wilson has handled the lower ride height and rigid suspension impressively. "I am happy with Matthew's progress," said his father, Stobart Ford's principal Malcolm Wilson.

"When you look at the amount he has improved over the course of the day and how much faster he is over the kilometres it shows he is learning quickly. Other than getting on top of his notes, which will only come with experience, Matthew had no problems whatsoever."