Solberg’s team-mate,
Chris Atkinson meanwhile is also keeping his feet firmly on the ground, even though he shined on round one. Given he has only done the Swedish Rally twice before though, his best finish coming in ’06, when he was eleventh, it would be ill advised to get too carried away.
“Despite the great result on Rallye Monte Carlo, I’m keeping my expectations quite cautious ahead of the two snow rallies. We aimed for top six in Monte Carlo and things went our way, so we’re aiming for the top five or six for these next two events in Sweden and Norway,” he added. “If we come away with some more points, I’ll be happy. In 2005 Sweden was my first ever rally with the
Subaru World Rally Team and I’ve got fond memories. It’s such a fun event.”
Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally team:
[
Jari-Matti Latvala, car #9 and
Henning Solberg, car #10]
Henning Solberg is aiming to give the Stobdart Ford team its first ever podium in the WRC on the Swedish Rally this weekend. Speaking in the count-down to the event, Henning said that he has already put Monte Carlo behind him, after a disappointing performance on the season opener. Furthermore he has vowed to push from the off and is keen to exploit his local knowledge.
“I have forgotten about Monte Carlo and now I am concentrating on Sweden and Norway,” he confirmed. “I am really looking forward to Sweden and I intend to push hard from the start, and am aiming for a podium position.
“Last year I got up as high as fifth position before we had a big roll, and filled the car with snow! I think with this package I have now, with the car and the tyres, I can even improve on this position.
“There are always many spectators from Norway over at the rally at Sweden and seeing them all with their flags, will really help to push me on and go harder. I can’t wait to start the rally.”
Jari-Matti Latvala meanwhile is under strict instructions to make sure he gets to the finish, after an off in the final ‘proper’ test on the Rallye Monte Carlo ended his event prematurely.
