"This result underlines the speed, team-work and determination which embodies the
BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. It also demonstrates the strength of the team and its driver line-up and is an exceptional achievement by a driver at such a young age. We extend our sincerest congratulations to the team and particularly,
Jari-Matti Latvala for entering the WRC record book, partnered by Abu Dhabi.
"Sheikh Khalid also did a very good job under very difficult conditions. His trademark perseverance and determination are a credit to him and of course, to the emirate of Abu Dhabi. We are also proud of the reception that Sheikh Khalid and Abu Dhabi received on its first visit to Sweden. The nation of Sweden has consistently exhibited almost identical values to those of Abu Dhabi; respect, team-work, integrity and innovation. It’s heartening to see a nation so similar to Abu Dhabi, despite a completely contrasting climate."
Malcolm Wilson [Stobart VK M-Sport Ford WRT - team boss]:
"It has been a superb performance from Gigi on only his second event for the team and he has really got up to speed with the car. The mechanics did a remarkable job to get Henning’s car out again after his accident on Saturday as he was able to collect points and move the Stobart team to second in the championship. Matthew’s performance has been fantastic here, he showed increased speed and control throughout the whole rally, he has really impressed me. To have two Ford teams at the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship is incredible."
Andrew Tinkler [Stobart Group Ltd CEO]:
"I only came out to this event at the last minute when I saw that our cars were third and fourth. Gigi has been absolutely fantastic here, he’s been fast but also in control and he lives for everything the Stobart brand exhibits; energy, passion and to be the best. Henning was extremely fast here as well and Matthew has definitely shown that his speed and maturity has improved on this rally and I was really impressed with his times. But full credit must go to Malcolm Wilson, his cars have made it a Ford one-two-three on this event and now we have two Ford teams at the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship."
David Richards [Subaru WRT - managing director]:
"It’s been rather a strange Swedish Rally given the lack of snow but all things considered we’re able to come away with more Manufacturer points. We look forward to testing this week which will hopefully bring advantages in Mexico at the end of the month. Rally Mexico will bring a totally different set of challenges which have always suited Subaru in the past."
Olivier Quesnel [Citroen Total WRT - team principal]:
"This result doesn't bring us many points, but we can still take away some positives. To begin with, the Citroën C4 WRC was competitive and reliable, while the performance of Dani and Marc [Marti] was a good omen for the rest of the season. Despite his limited experience here, Dani showed that he is capable of driving quickly in slippery conditions. I particularly appreciated the way he put his time penalty to the back of his mind and just got on with the job we expected of him. In Mexico and beyond, I hope he succeeds in putting in the same sort of display to earn even more points for Citroën. The off of Sébastien and Daniel [Elena] on the first day showed that nothing can ever be taken for granted in motor sport, but I have every confidence in their ability, and that of everyone at Citroen Sport, to recover the situation very quickly."
![Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) BP Ford Focus RS WRC 07. Swedish Rally. February 7-10 2008. [PIC CREDIT: FORD / worldrallypics.com]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/405528.jpg)
