Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 29 May 2008

HENNING Solberg returns to the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford as a point-nominated driver for the Acropolis Rally of Greece after a spell with the Munchi’s Ford team

West Cumbrian Matthew Wilson delights the fans in last year’s rally of Greece

Joining him as nominated scorers will be Gigi Galli while Matthew Wilson rounds off the terrific trio of Stobart crews.

The team's goal for the event is to again close the gap to Subaru in the manufacturers' championship as they lurk just eight points behind the third-placed Japanese outfit.

Galli has also closed the gap to just four points on fifth place in the drivers' championship and will be looking for another strong points haul to further his championship campaign.

For all three Stobart crews Greece has been a prosperous outing in the past. Competing in both 2006 and 2007, Wilson posted a strong top-10 result on both occasions and he now looks to move one step further and finish with drivers' points under his belt in 2008.

For the past two years Solberg has managed some fine results finishing fifth in both years, most recently in a Stobart entered Ford Focus RS WRC in 2007.

The Norwegian has set a top-five target again this year.

This will be Galli's third attempt at the Greek event which is also a place he has scored well finishing seventh back in 2005 when he last competed here.

Coming off his fine result from Sardinia he will be looking to continue with his electric gravel form displayed on the last two events.

Wilson said: “Sardinia wasn't the greatest event for us so in Greece we will look to improve and get back to the pace we had on previous gravel rallies this year.

“The route it is not much different to last year which is going to be good for us.

“Greece is a hot rally where our training will be a big benefit especially on some of the longer stages.

“Hopefully the weather will stay warm and dry so we can get a good consistent feeling with the tyres.”