World Rally Championship Pro: Matthew Wilson
Airwaves Pro Matthew Wilson has kicked up a gear in 2009 and is off to a great start. Driving a Ford Focus WRC for the VK Stobart team, Matt's the only full time British driver competing in the hotly contested World Rally Championship (WRC) - quite a boast when you consider he's only 22 years old. Last Season Retrospective
Matthew Wilson
Matt's the youngest ever driver to win a WRC stage and claim a drivers' point, which he achieved in 2006 at Rally Argentina. Inspiring stuff! 2009 is getting off to a great start with Matt in the top-10! More on Matt here
World Rally Championship
WRC is one of the top 3 global motor sports. It takes place every year over 11 months with 12 rallies in 15 countries pitting man and machine against the elements - be it tarmac, snow, gravel, sand, mud or ice. 8 million fans turn up and watch every year, with a huge audience of 815 million tuning in worldwide. You can catch it on Dave - look out for sponsorship adverts from Airwaves, the Official Chewing Gum of the WRC on Dave TV.
The Car
| Engine |
Ford 1998cc Pipo built I4 Duratec WRC engine |
| Power |
300 bhp at 6000 rpm |
| Torque |
550 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Wheels |
Gravel: 7in x 15in (magnesium) wheels with Pirelli 650mm tyres
Asphalt: 8in x 18in (magnesium) wheels with Pirelli 650mm tyres |
| Body Shell |
Welded T45 steel safety roll cage. Aerodynamic rear wing. Unique front 'bumper' treatment |
| Dimensions |
Length: 4362mm. Width: 1800mm. Wheelbase: 2640mm. Weight: 1230kg minimum |
2009 WRC Schedule
| Rally Ireland |
30 Jan -1 Feb |
| Rally Norway |
13-15 Feb |
| Cyprus Rally |
13-15 Mar |
| Rally de Portugal |
2-5 April |
| Rally Argentina |
24-26 Apr |
| Rally d'Italia Sardegna |
22-24 May |
| Acropolis Rally of Greece |
12-14 June |
| Rally Poland |
26-28 June |
| Neste Oil Rally Finland |
31 Jul – 2 Aug |
| Repco Rally Australia |
4-6 Sept |
| RACC Rallye de España |
2-4 Oct |
| Wales Rally GB |
23-25 Oct |