Crash.net:
You took the PWRC win in Wales as well as both BRC victories. Was the Production win the icing on the cake?
GW:
It was the icing on the cake, but it definitely wasn't the idea at the start. I needed to make sure that I won the BRC above everything. All the media beforehand kept saying 'you have a good chance of winning the production round as well'. I suppose I maybe got a bit boring, because I kept saying 'if that comes then fine, but I'm really not bothered about it'. It was quite clear after the first three stages that it was a distinct possibility, but it only came about because myself, Phil and Mitsubishi were trying to win the British championship first. It was an added extra if you like.
Crash.net:
You also had a very good result prior to GB in Ireland, when you scored your first 'senior' WRC points...
GW:
We'd been trying all year to score points [in the WRC]. We'd had three top ten finishes before we went to Ireland, but it had been a difficult year in the Focus up until then. We had the opportunity to drive the
Subaru in Ireland, took it, and I'm really glad that we did. The stages in Ireland were really challenging due to the weather conditions, which were very similar to Wales; small amount of fog, but mainly the amount of rain and how wet the roads were. I was thrilled to get my first senior WRC points.
Crash.net:
How did you find the Impreza compared to the Focus?
GW:
They are both good cars, it's a case of different characteristics. I'd driven a Subaru once before in Ireland and knew it was very good over the bumps. We were offered the car for a good rate, if you like. The sponsorship was there to be able to take that opportunity and that's what we did. It was fantastic to be the first privateer. We finished sixth overall and every single car in front of us was a manufacturer car;
Sebastien Loeb, Dani Sordo,
Jari-Matti Latvala,
Mikko Hirvonen and
Petter Solberg. All the latest specification of cars and those guys had competed in those cars at every single world championship event - we turned up in car we didn’t know that well and did a great job. So really chuffed.
Crash.net:
What are your plans now for 2008?
GW:
They are shaping up quite well. Obviously I was a chosen finalist for the Pirelli Star Driver award which took place in Cumbria, but I withdrew from that because I have an opportunity which is very similar to the Pirelli Star Driver prize. So I felt it was unfair for me to compete for that prize as well. I withdrew so that the guys could compete between themselves for that and know that I was no longer a factor from the outset. I have got some opportunities for next year in the British championship, but I'm working hard on the world championship as well.
Crash.net:
Any idea when we might something more on those plans?
GW:
I think either right before Christmas or not long after, hopefully we should know a lot more by then although in motorsport you never really know until everything is signed, sealed and delivered. It's early days but things are looking encouraging.
Crash.net:
Are you still in talks with Suzuki?
![Guy Wilks (GBR) / Phil Pugh (GBR), Mitsubishi Lancer Evo [Production WRC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/400770.jpg)
