Sordo wants more time to make Fiesta fly

Dani Sordo says he’s concerned that his lack of time spent behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC could prevent him from showing his true speed on Philips Rally Argentina.

Sordo has been drafted in from the rival Prodrive team to replace the injured Jari-Matti Latvala on round five of the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia. However, he has managed less than 200 kilometres in the Christian Loriaux-inspired machine so far.

Following today’s free practice and Qualifying Stage, Sordo said he didn’t feel 100 per cent ready for the challenge ahead.

“It’s a very good car and I’m very happy but I’ve not had the time to do anything with the set-up,” said the 28-year-old former Junior world champion. “Everything is possible for me on this rally but it has been difficult to find the right feeling in the time I have had.”

Sordo admitted surprise at Ford’s decision to call him up as Latvala’s stand-in and acknowledged Prodrive’s cooperation in allowing him to compete in South America.

“I was surprised because I have a contract with Prodrive and there are many other good drivers who were possible [candidates],” said Sordo. “So of course it’s a good feeling that Malcolm [Wilson, the Ford team boss] chose me. I will try to do my best and we will see what happens.”