Wilson Jr back in old Focus for Cyprus.

Britain's Matthew Wilson will revert to the 2005 spec Focus this coming weekend, when he tackles the Rally Cyprus, the twelfth round in the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship.

Wilson Jr. got his hands on the 2006 model for the first time 'proper' earlier this month, when he competed on the Rally Japan. However he and his Stobart VK team-mates, Luis-Perez Companc and Juan Pablo Raies will have to make do with the older car on the Mediterranean island, which according to Matt is still 'bloody good'.

The 19-year-old managed to pick up manufacturers' points for the Stobart VK squad three weeks ago, despite issues on day two, which forced him to retire from the leg. He eventually re-joined the fold on Sunday under the SupeRally, finishing in 40th position. As such he will be eager to get a better overall result this Sunday, even if this will be his maiden outing in Cyprus and one that will see him have to deal with soaring temperatures, rocks and rough roads - very similar to the conditions experienced in Greece prior to the long summer break.

"It's my first time in Cyprus but from what everyone says, it will be a tough rally," he noted prior to the event. "Obviously the slow speeds on the stages means that less air is flowing in the cock-pit and the temperatures are already pretty high. Also we are going back to the '05 car, which is still bloody good, but the '06 was something really special."

M-Sport boss, Malcolm Wilson meanwhile emphasised for the umpteenth time, that the aim for his son is to continue to learn: "Cyprus is the toughest event of the year for the drivers. Not only does it have some of the hottest temperatures but it also has the slowest stages, which means that the guys are in the car for longer periods of time. It is Matthew's first time in Cyprus so he just needs to keep building on that invaluable experience that every event brings," concluded Wilson Sr.

Currently the Stobart VK team plan to use the 2006-spec cars again for the fly-away rounds in Australia and New Zealand - and possibly on Rally GB.