The Norwegian reckons that while not testing in Sardinia might put them at a bit of a disadvantage to the top three teams, he is still optimistic he can do well in his
Stobart Ford. Indeed he showed phenomenal pace last year on this event climbing as high as third until an accident midway through the rally forced him out and into retirement.
“I have a much better feeling with the car after Argentina and I am really looking forward to Sardinia because of this,” he noted. “My driving style is different to the other drivers and I have to set my car up differently to suit this. I was going really well in Sardinia last year and was challenging the top drivers and I hope to do the same this year.
“The only problem is that most of the Manufacturer Teams have been testing on the island and so have a feeling for the roads there already; I am at a small disadvantage before I start! It is a tough rally but my car is strong and I have more confidence with it now.”
M-Sport boss, Malcolm Wilson meanwhile is also confident that Henning and his team-mates,
Jari-Matti Latvala and
Matthew Wilson will be able to do well. He is hoping Henning and Latvala can repeat the kind of result they managed in Argentina when they combined to notch up nine points.
“It is obvious that all of the drivers are becoming more confident with their cars and have a better feeling with them. With both Henning and Jari-Matti finishing in the top five in Argentina, its shows they are becoming more comfortable and are learning a lot as the year goes on,” he continued.
“Sardinia is a tough event but the Focus is a strong and reliable rally car. Matthew missed out on crucial mileage in Argentina but he is very positive in looking forward to this event. Argentina was a strong team performance as we were able to move into third place in the Manufacturers’ Championship and if we can repeat that performance in Sardinia, it will be an excellent result.”
Munchi’s Ford WRT:
[Luis-Perez Companc, car #11 and
Federico Villagra, car #12]
Federico Villagra will be thrown in the deep end this weekend when he makes his debut for the Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team and jumps behind the wheel of a World Rally Car for the very first time.
