Wilson aims high with Duval on board

Stobart VK M-Sport team principal Malcolm Wilson is aiming for a top three placing in this year’s manufacturers’ race following the confirmation of Francois Duval as a Stobart driver in Germany, Spain and Corsica.

Duval will drive a new Ford Focus RS WRC07 recently purchased by the 2005 Rally Australia’s principal sponsor, Belgian construction firm Structo. The car will be serviced by both M-Sport technicians and technicians from R-Tec Motorsport. R-Tec is no stranger to World Rally Cars, with firm experience of the Focus RS WRC, guiding Pieter Tsjoen to victory in the 2006 Belgian Rally Championship.

Duval is yet to name a co-driver for the three events with his partner from Monte-Carlo, Eddy Chevaillier, unable to navigate the 27-year-old due to commitments with Belgian privateer Peter van Merksteijn Jr.

Wilson said: “It’s a great boost for the Stobart team to have Francois [Duval] confirmed for these three events, especially with his wealth of experience on tarmac. The team put in a strong challenge for third place in the manufacturers’ championship throughout 2007 and now with Francois scoring on these tarmac events it could again become a close race by the end of the year.”