Zoom Duval back for the season opening Monte Carlo Rally

Francois Duval will be back in action later this week in Monte Carlo with the Stobart Ford team and is naturally looking forward to the first event of the new season.

“I am happy to be back in a world rally car on a WRC event as this will be my first event since Corsica last year,” the tarmac specialist said. “It is also good to be back in a Ford Focus WRC which, in the past, has brought me some good results. The last time I competed on Monte-Carlo was in 2006 where some of the route was similar to this year especially on Sunday so I think this will help a bit.”

While the Belgian driver does not have a full time ride this year, his runner-up position in Germany last year and victory in Australia in 2005 underline his potential with Stobart. One man on a steep learning curve is Matthew Wilson, who made good progress in the latter stages of the 2007 season.

“Well it's a new year, new car and a new co-driver and I'm looking forward to getting things underway in Monte-Carlo,” Wilson stated. “For me this event will be more of a lesson as I get used to the 07 Focus and Scott [Martin] reading the notes. It's not the easiest rally in the world so we'll be looking to get round without any problems and have a decent finish with a straight car before getting on to Sweden which is an event I really enjoy.”

“Sunday will be a difficult day as I have only covered these stages once in 2006 but it's great to see the traditional tests back on rally route. This event will be a challenge but I just can't wait to get back in the car and start the season off.”

E.A.
Source Stobart Ford