Wilson finishes the first day seventh overall

STOBART M-Sport Ford’s Matthew Wilson improved his times during the opening six stages of Rally de España to finish the first day seventh overall.

Britain’s leading FIA World Rally Championship driver – partnered by co-driver Scott Martin - completed the 68.19km repeat afternoon pass in his Ford Focus RS WRC some 23.1 seconds faster than the morning run.

“The afternoon went well apart from dropping around six seconds on the final test with a spin 3km into the stage,” said Wilson.

“I thought it was going to be tricky today on the tarmac but I actually enjoyed the asphalt sections the most. Overall it’s not been a bad day and I’m in a really good position going into Day Two.”

Saturday’s stages will swap from a mix of gravel and tarmac to purely asphalt tests and the change of road surface has left Wilson guessing.

“For sure, it’s going to be difficult with the sudden change to a race spec. I just need to get into the correct mind-set and ensure that I find the best rhythm as soon as possible.”

Stobart M-Sport Ford’s other nominated points scorer in Spain, Ken Block is currently lying ninth in a Ford Focus RS WRC.