Stobart VK's Jari-Matti Latvala will get his hands on the new 2006 spec Ford Focus for the first time on the Rally GB next weekend, the final round in the 2006 FIA WRC.

Latvala has done three events to date with the Stobart VK squad and while he didn't have much luck in Spain, France and Germany, he has been given a boost of late, having taken two FIA Production Car WRC wins in Australia and New Zealand. The Finn is now eager to keep up that momentum in Wales and try and secure a more full-time World Rally Car programme for next season. As such he needs a solid result, ideally in the top eight, to prove he is now a 'cleverer driver'.

"I am definitely looking forward to Rally GB. For me it will be the first time in the 2006 car, I have done three asphalt events with Stobart and it's been a great car, but now it will be even better,” said. “I have a good feeling with the stages in Wales and have a good set-up, this will help.

“My best result was in 2003, but last year I had some problems. Despite those, we set a sixth fastest time on three stages. Last year was good experience and will help me a lot with my confidence for this year.

“I liked Wales when it was dry last year, but I think now it will be wet and muddy, but it helps now that I have been driving my last rally in New Zealand as the conditions were very similar to what it will be like in Wales. It's also encouraging that we have won the last two Production rounds - it gives me a good feeling going to GB.

“I hope that I can keep the same speed and I hope I am a cleverer driver now than earlier in the year. I made mistakes with the previous events, but I have definitely learnt a lot from them.”

M-Sport boss, Malcolm Wilson meanwhile expects Latvala to be able to set some good times in the number two Stobart car: “Jari-Matti [Latvala] has shown pace on previous events, so he should be looking for good times in Britain,” added Wilson Sr.