“I want to straighten that record,” said Henning, “which is why I can hardly wait for the start of the Rally NZ. I like it when things get really speedy [like in NZ] - and Waahanga Coast is surely one of the most beautiful and racy special stages of all.”
OMV Peugeot Norway WRT team boss, Jackie Bozian was over the moon with Stohl's third place finish and is confident they can keep up that momentum this time out too: "We were very proud of Manfred. His was the biggest present for our anniversary [our 100th outing in the WRC]. The place on the podium strengthened our position as the most successful manufacturer team in the M2 this season. I think that we will have just as much fun in New Zealand and Wales," Jackie predicted.
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally team:
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Matthew Wilson, car #9 and
Luis Perez Companc, car #10]
Matthew Wilson was disappointed with his form in Australia, after he hit a rock on the first proper stage, something that cost him any hope of a good result. The 19-year-old is now refreshed though and eager to try and add to the one WRC point he scored in Argentina back in April.
“New Zealand is another fast rally, so it's one that I'm really looking forward to,” he said. “Most of the stages are going to be new to pretty much all of the drivers this time, so it'll be interesting to see who makes the best job of making new notes and gets off to a fast start. Like on the last round in Australia, I'm keen to push harder on the opening leg to try and avoid running first on the road later in the rally. Unlike Australia, I'm keen not to make a mistake on the opening leg! The last round was really tough.
“There were plenty of positives to come out it though, not least spending more time in this fabulous Ford Focus. I can't speak highly enough of the 2006 car – it's just amazing. I'm raring to get into these stages and start experiencing those legendary cambered roads for myself!”
