Matthew Wilson's WRC season

In another update from Airwaves Pro Matthew Wilson, we find out what he thinks of the upcoming Acropolis Rally of Greece and discover what he has been up to since the last round in Sardinia.

"It hasn't been too long since the last rally and competing on the Italian Island is actually very good preparation for Greece because the conditions are similar. Since Sardinia I've been doing the usual amount of training and warm weather preparation.

"Unusually for me I also did some testing in the new Fiesta R2, the new car that is going to replace the older championship model. It's actually brilliant to drive, we had no real problems with it and covered 415 kilometres on tarmac so that is very encouraging.

"It's a busy period in the WRC calendar at the moment as we have Poland straight after the Acropolis rally so we have to really think of it as a double header and a chance to grab as many points as possible.

"Greece is probably the roughest event on the calendar and the closest you could come to the old style endurance rallies we used to compete in. It is so hot over here that tyre wear is a major concern. Harsh braking will not do us any favours, so it is good to ease the car into the stages and then ride the bumps and corners as best as you can. We will be running the car slightly higher off the grounds to cater for all the bigger boulders on the road and to ensure nothing gets caught underneath. We'll also reinforce the underneath just to be sure.

"From a driver's point of view I just have to make sure I stay mentally alert and sharp despite the heat, take in as much fluid as possible and stay out of the sun. It won't be easy on Friday as there is a remote service point which will mean we will carry extra equipment and Scott and I will have to muck in and help out.

"If I can get back to the speed and consistency we had in Portugal and Argentina then we will be in a good position come the last day of the rally. I think it really is a case of being in and amongst it until the last day.

"The final few stages are set up almost as a bit of a sprint finish so if we are still in the running then anything can happen come the finish line! I think this will favour us if we stay in the hunt, we can then put the hammer down, so to speak, on the final day and really push for the line.

"This rally will be no different in terms of who I will be battling against in the pack. The entry list is almost identical to Sardinia so Sebastien Ogier and I will be close, but it is just a question of focussing and listening to Scott. I am confident we can do well and I am still confident of a podium before 25th October and the end of the season!"

To find out more on Matthew and the Airwaves Pro campaign visit www.airwaves-pro.tv