by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH MALCOLM WILSON: CLICK HERE
BP Ford team director Malcolm Wilson saw 'his' team secure the manufacturers' championship for the second year running in Ireland.
Crash.net Radio caught up with him in the countdown to the season finale, the Wales Rally GB to chat about that, as well as Marcus Gronholm's situation in the drivers' championship and lots, lots more...
Crash.net:
Malcolm, you must obviously have been delighted to see Ford secure the manufacturers' crown in Ireland. Just how important was it to take the title there?
Malcolm Wilson:
It was a great place to take it, so close to home and it is only now that it is starting to really sink it - just how significant it is. Obviously last year was a very special moment as we hadn't won it for 27 years. But the significance of doing back-to-back victories' is really special and the fact Sebastien [Loeb] was there and there whole team was at full strength makes it even sweeter. Also to win it with one event to go is a great feeling.
Crash.net:
How will the BP Ford WRT approach the Wales Rally GB, especially with Marcus Gronholm six points behind
Sebastien Loeb in the drivers' championship?
MW:
The only thing he can do now is win the rally. OK he doesn’t need to win it if Sebastien has a problem, but whatever happens now, he really has to go out and go for the victory.
Crash.net:
How have preparations been going for Rally GB?
MW:
They have been going really well. We have been testing with Mikko [Hirvonen]. Marcus was basically advised to rest after his accident in Ireland and he has just been given the all-clear from the doctors. He will actually now be testing on Sunday.
Crash.net:
How difficult an event is it?
MW:
Rally GB could be very similar [in terms of weather] to what we had in Ireland. I think it was a big shock to everybody as to the amount of people that went off the road in Ireland and made mistakes there. In Wales you can have all sorts of different weather conditions thrown at you. I don’t think it will be as bad as Ireland for retirements but I certainly think there are a lot of places that will catch people out, especially if the conditions are wet and there is a lot of rain.
