British WRC Star Celebrates Ashes Victory 'Down Under'
04.09.09
British WRC driver Matthew Wilson has been in Australia all this week ahead of Repco Rally Australia. Taking time out from his preparations, he travelled to Sydney – the unofficial Australian capital – to celebrate England winning the Ashes.
Wilson, the UK's only full time driver, currently competing in the tenth round of the FIA World Rally Championship in Kingscliff, NSW, said: "It's fantastic that England won the Ashes. I didn't catch too much of the cricket as we were flat out in preparation to race over here. But it's great that Strauss and the guys brought the famous urn back to England."
"Since arriving I haven't noticed too many negative vibes towards me and the rest of the English guys in our team but I can tell that the Aussies are looking forward to the one day series and trying to get their own back on us!"
Matthew an Airwaves Pro ambassador, from Cockermouth in Cumbria and British co-driver Scott Martin, set about acclimatising themselves to the hot conditions by going on a high powered motorboat in Sydney harbour and visiting the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
When quizzed about the rumours of new manufacturers entering the fast-paced, epic adventure of the WRC, Matthew answered: "There are always rumours flying about in World Rally but it would be great, and very positive for the Championship, to have more manufacturers here. The series is getting stronger and I think S2000 [specifications] will help to attract more teams and drivers."
The Stobart VK M-Sport Ford World Rally driver, the UK's only hope of victory continued: "If the opportunity arose for me to race for another manufacturer I would be very interested and would definitely consider it. I am still young and usually rally drivers peak in their thirties. However I wouldn't have got this far though without the help of both Stobart and Ford."
"It's father's day here in Australia on Sunday so I'll be looking to bring the car home in the points to keep the old man [Stobart VK M-Sport Team Principle Malcolm] happy – he would love that as a father's day present."