After missing the event last season he is raring to go and, urged along by the large crowds who travel to the island for Italy's premier off-road event, he will be seeking his second podium finish of the year, to add to the third place he notched up in Sweden back in February.
"Well finally we have come to my home rally! Sardinia is a very nice island, quite wild in some parts, and some of the stages run through beautiful landscapes. I’ve taken part in this race a few times since it was moved to Sardinia in 2004," he noted.
"It is a very technical, tricky and difficult rally with very hard gravel roads and lots of loose stones.
"One of the stages I like most is Monte Lerno, the one with a very big jump that is so easy to catch out unwary drivers. I am really look forward to getting there, to see all the Italian fans, and hopefully we can find the right rhythm and pace from the beginning."
Matthew Wilson meanwhile will be in the #8 car and for the second time this year he will be competing for points for himself and the team.
Last year's Rally d'Italia was a reasonably positive one for Wilson despite the fact he retired on day two with broken suspension, while in ninth place. This year the 21-year-old will be looking to capitalise on the experience gained over the last two years and he is intently focussed on another points haul after two top-six results in Mexico and Jordan launched him into the championship top-ten.
"I’m looking forward to this event and it will be good to race back in Europe after three long hauls on the run," said the Brit.
"Last year I was running just outside the points before we retired but the feeling was good and the notes were working well so hopefully we can develop on this a bit more and finish in the points.
