Ford insist: Kresta is not out of favour.
Ford boss, Malcolm Wilson has insisted that Roman Kresta has by no means disappointed the team in the opening two rounds of the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship, despite the decision announced today not to nominate the Czech for the second event in succession.
Like in Sweden then, when Ford preferred to nominate local expert, Henning Solberg, Kresta will again not be eligible to score points in the manufacturers' championship next month, instead, Daniel Sola will have that honour, and will effectively be their 'second' driver for the event.
Ford boss, Malcolm Wilson has insisted that Roman Kresta has by no means disappointed the team in the opening two rounds of the 2005 FIA World Rally Championship, despite the decision announced today not to nominate the Czech for the second event in succession.
Like in Sweden then, when Ford preferred to nominate local expert, Henning Solberg, Kresta will again not be eligible to score points in the manufacturers' championship next month, instead, Daniel Sola will have that honour, and will effectively be their 'second' driver for the event.
"Dani's previous experience in Mexico tipped the decision in his favour," explained Wilson.
"He drove there in 2003, when the rally was not in the world championship, and again last season. Two years' experience of the stages there gives the team an advantage over our rivals."
Wilson also believes that the decision is a good one for Kresta, as it now means he is under less pressure...
"This move will also help Roman come to terms with a new rally," he added, further justifying the announcement. "He can discover the characteristics of the Mexican roads at his own pace without having to worry about pushing to score points for Ford. He is in the middle of a steep learning programme and drivers' points on both rallies so far indicate that he is coping extremely well."
Kresta finished eighth in both Sweden and the season opening Monte Carlo Rally, back in January.
