Prokop pleased with World Rally Car progress

Martin Prokop says he’s pleased with his transition to the top tier of the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia following his career-best fourth place on last month’s Philips Rally Argentina.

Having spent two years competing in the Super 2000 world championship, Prokop has made the step up to undertake an 11-event campaign in the WRC this season after making his debut in the World Rally Car class on last year’s Wales Rally GB.

The Czech, however, admits he’s still acclimatising to World Rally Car competition. “The difference from driving a Super 2000 car compared to the Ford Fiesta RS WRC is huge,” he said. “It’s not so different on the fast sections but when it comes to driving on technical, twisty stages you need a totally different driving technique and that’s what I’ve been focusing on recently.”

He continued: “I had a small test in Czech Republic last week where we covered about 100 kilometres and I’ve got another test next weekend. I’m concentrating only on my driving style at the moment and my main aim this year is to improve my times and learn on every rally.”

Prokop will be back in action on the Acropolis Rally in Greece from 25-27 May. “Greece is a round that I know well, I’ve been there a few times now so I know the roads - it’ll be a good rally for me to focus on improving my driving style,” added the 29-year-old.

Former Junior world champion Prokop is currently seventh in the WRC drivers’ standings with 26 points, only two points adrift of factory Ford driver Jari-Matti Latvala who holds sixth.