20 Jan 08

2008 FIA WRC season launch

Questions to the Stobart Ford team

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It's been two years since we last saw you as a full-time competitor in the WRC with Mitsubishi. What does it mean to you to be regularly competing for a team again?

Gigi Galli: To be honest, I have still to understand. I am so pleased to be here to do the full Championship - it's my first time. We will try to keep this opportunity to work step by step and keep the confidence with the car. I have to understand what I can do.

You've had a podium before and you've been very competitive on previous runs in various events. Is a win a target for this year?

Gigi Galli: As I told you, it's quite early to say. I tested the car this morning: I'm so excited. Now, it's quite early. I think I need some time to get used to the car. After that, with my team boss, we will decide what to do.

Petter hit the world scene before you and won the drivers' title in 2003 but last year your performances were very comparable. Has Petter's advice helped in lifting your game in recent years and how much more competitive are you with him versus other drivers?

Henning Solberg: I don't think about this since we were young - then we were even more competitive. No, I think we have to forget him and concentrate on myself. To bring this orange car up on the list as high as possible is my priority.

The Stobart team was so close to finishing third in the Manufacturer's Championship last year. How realistic is that goal this season? Can you win?

Henning Solberg: I think so, but I don't know when or on which rallies I will drive for Stobart to take the points. It's an honour to do this, but we will see. I have painted my helmet with my first place on the podium, so I have my helper!

Will you be contesting all the rallies this year and do you know if there's any chance you will be nominated to score manufacturer points on any of them?

Matt Wilson: I can say we're doing all the rounds. I don't know about the nominations. I think there will be some chopping and changing, given that we've got so many cars out there - you might see it as the year goes on.

How are you feeling about your development programme? How do you feel you have progressed and what are your objectives this year?

Matt Wilson: You can see at the end of last year, the last three rallies were good, and we made a step. I want to carry that on and see how it goes. If we feel comfortable, like Gigi says, we'll see what the boss says. I'm looking forward to it. I've got Scott [Martin] back with me again, so yes, I'm looking forward to it.