Crash.net:
The
Stobart Ford team moved ahead of Subaru and took third spot in the manufacturers' championship in Ireland. How pleasing was that?
MW:
It is a fantastic achievement to think that the privateer Stobart team in only there second year in the WRC are actually ahead of
Subaru, who have won the championship on numerous occasions in the past. Certainly everyone within the Stobart team is very excited about the prospect. I think again that is going to be another great battle on Rally GB. Obviously Jari-Matti [Latvala] is driving exceptionally well and it is an event Henning [Solberg] likes too. Between them they have got a lot of experience on that event - even though Jari is only 22 years-old. It is going to be interesting because Petter [Solberg] obviously always goes very well there as well. It is a case of fingers crossed and I hope the Stobart team can hang onto that 'podium' place in the championship.
Crash.net:
Looking to 2008, will the Stobart and Munchi's teams continue in the WRC?
MW:
We are hopeful that Munchi's team will stay - and the Stobart team. We would obviously like to try and find a way to keep the strength in the Stobart team and we are looking at all the different options at the moment. It is looking promising that we can keep both of those teams in the championship.
Crash.net:
Any idea when will we get confirmation on that?
MW:
No, but we don’t actually need, unless we are doing the whole championship, there is a lot more freedom with the deadline for the entries on the M2 teams than there is on the manufacturer 1. We have got a little bit more time to get everything in place fortunately because we are so busy at this time of year with events in rapid succession and trying to pull everything together. It is fortunate that we have got a bit more breathing space with the M2 nominations to the
FIA.
Crash.net:
When can we expect confirmation on who will replace Marcus Gronholm at the
BP Ford WRT?
MW:
We are not in a position to disclose that yet. We are looking at various options. We are looking at long term, short term, all the possibilities and hopefully within the next few weeks we should be getting closer.
Crash.net:
Can you reveal anything about who is in consideration?
MW:
I have had a lot of phone calls from a lot of different drivers!
[laughs]
Crash.net:
Some management changes were announced by Ford of Europe recently, with Mark Deans being appointed to the new position of motorsport director. What impact will those changes have?
