It has been rumoured for sometime and still isn't confirmed, but BP Ford World Rally team director, Malcolm Wilson gave the clearest indication yet in Ireland over the weekend that Jari-Matti Latvala will partner Mikko Hirvonen in 2008.

Latvala has been strongly tipped to step up to the Ford 'A' team ever since Marcus Gronholm's retirement was confirmed back in mid-September and the youngster did his cause no harm what-so-ever on Sunday, when he brought his Stobart Ford Focus RS WRC car home in third place, the first time he has ever finished on the podium in the WRC.

Speaking at the finish - after Ford secured the manufacturers' championship for the second season in succession, Wilson Sr noted that there is 'no question' Jari is a 'star of the future'.

"We are very proud of the way we work with the youngsters and we have some interesting prospects for the future and we have seen that potential today with Jari-Matti," he stated.

"It was a dominating performance by Jari. He approached this rally in a meticulous manner and never lost his focus on the extremely demanding stages.

"There is no question he is a star for the future and he will be World Champion.

"Marcus has been a big asset to help Mikko. Hopefully we can adopt a similar sort of strategy in the future."

So will Latvala get the nod and step up to the 'A' team?

Time will tell...