Stobart Ford's Matthew Wilson retired from the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse in the penultimate stage on Sunday, when a transmission problem forced him out.

Wilson was looking good for another top-ten finish until he lost drive 3.8 kilometres into the repeat run through the Penitencier Coti-Pietre Rossa stage and was unable to get his car re-started.

It was an unlucky end to the event for the young Englishman, after another very solid performance in his Focus.

“This has been another good event for me from an experience point of view,” said the 22-year-old.

“We have learnt quite a bit regarding suspension settings for these stages and I have been trying to improve my driving style over the last two asphalt rallies.

“I made a mistake here last year and didn't get the experience of all the stages and I was determined not to do the same thing again.

“It was disappointing to not finish, especially after having got up inside the top-ten but it's been great to cover all the stages competitively; it has been a massive help to me and I feel much more confident with the car now on asphalt.”

M-Sport boss, Malcolm Wilson meanwhile also reckons that the experience his son gained will be good for the future: “It's a shame for Matthew not to finish here but he has been over all the stages competitively and has the experience of another specialised event,” he added.