Autosportfoto

Wilson: '2018 will be closer than ever.'

Despite leaving Rallye Monte-Carlo with his squad leading the WRC drivers' and manufacturers' standings, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team boss Malcolm Wilson has warned this season's title fights will be the closest ever.

M-Sport Ford began its defence of a clean sweep of WRC titles in 2017 in perfect style at the weekend, courtesy of a fifth consecutive Monte win for Sébastien Ogier who led from start to finish in his second season with the British squad, and sixth place for team-mate Elfyn Evans.

But reflecting on a rally that also featured stage wins from manufacturer rivals Citroën, Hyundai and Toyota, Wilson predicted a more difficult season than 2017.

"I know the championship will be tougher this year," Wilson said. "At the moment the competition with the cars and drivers, it's so evenly matched, it's going to be an unbelievable challenge. This season is going to be closer than ever and we got it off to the perfect start."

Wilson paid tribute to his team for securing a second consecutive Monte victory in treacherous conditions, where snow, ice and wet and dry asphalt made tyre choices almost impossible to call.

"You can't imagine how special this win feels. It's not going to beat last year for sure, but to come here and win the most difficult Monte I've been involved in is special," he said.

"Sébastien really did have everything under control. We saw mistakes from almost everyone, but they made it count when it mattered. There really is no one stronger when it comes to strategy and it's no surprise that they have been unbeaten here for the past five years.

"Elfyn was unlucky to have lost so much time on Thursday evening, but he fought back strongly. Had everything gone to plan, he had the pace to have challenged for the podium this weekend, and he should definitely take encouragement from that."

Zdroj: wrc.com