Q&A with Matthew Wilson

Matthew Wilson hasn’t competed in the FIA World Rally Championship since Rallye Monte-Carlo in January. But he’s back for his home event, Wales Rally GB, and took time out of his preparations to speak to WRC.com.

How good is it to be back in the WRC?

“It’s brilliant, it’s really good news. It took a lot of doing and getting sorted but the good thing is it’s done and we’ve got a good chance to drive again.”

Does the fact the deal is currently a one-off make the challenge harder?

“It’s going to be hard because I haven’t driven on gravel this year. Hopefully it will fall back into place but it will be tough to get back on it straightaway. My rivals have been at it all year. I’ve never done a Qualifying Stage so there will be a lot of things new. It will be tough but knowing that’s the only rally you’ve got potentially you have to go for it.”

Do you risk pushing from the start or will caution be key?

“Unless we’re in a really stonking position we have to keep trying to push and get the most out of it. If we end up in a good position like last year we won’t be taking stupid risks. But if there’s a fight there we have to keep going. I’m out of match fitness but even doing the recce in Germany and in Finland and the testing just gets you back in the groove for doing the pace notes. At least you’re not out of that habit.”

How much pressure are you feeling?

“There’s a bit of pressure because it’s your home rally and you’ve got to get back out there but that’s no different to the last few years.”

You’ve done a Rally GB in September before. What do you think the event will be like this week?

“I did one once, in 2005. It could still be slippery and muddy but it could potentially be a lot faster and very quick if it’s dry. If we have four or five bad days it’s going to be old-spec Rally GB but without the cold. If it’s dry it could be baking hot because we’ve had Septembers where it’s been roasting before.”

After missing Sweden through injury are you fully fit?

“Yeah, there’s problem at all with the ankle. I’ve been doing some quite intensive training. It will be a test for it I’m sure after three days in the car but if I can cope with climbing Ben Nevis I should be fine.”