Last updated 19:42, Thursday, 19 June 2008

AN EVENT of mixed fortunes saw the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team close in on third place in the FIA World Rally Championship for manufacturers after round eight in Turkey.

STRONG: Matthew Wilson gives one of his best performances in the Rally of Turkey

Henning Solberg/Cato Menkerud were the stars of the show finishing fifth.

Backing up the Norwegians with yet another solid points finish were Cumbrians Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin who maintained a points scoring position throughout the event to finish seventh. This now sees Wilson ninth in the drivers' championship.

It was not such a fortunate event for team-mates Gigi Galli/Giovanni Bernacchini who retired before the final day with Galli falling ill.

Under advice from the team's doctor Galli decided not to start the final day due to exhaustion and dehydration caused by the intense heat and demanding rally conditions.

After day one and a fastest stage win on the final test, Solberg was on top of his game to slot in front of BP Ford Abu Dhabi driver Jari-Matti Latvala but had a big job on Saturday running second on the road.

During Friday night's flexi-service Solberg's team of technicians changed the gearbox in his car which affected the way it felt to drive and this took some getting used to on Saturday but the Norwegian's performance over the day was outstanding and drew praise from the Stobart Team Principal.

Twenty-one-year-old Wilson has continued to show his impressive speed by finishing in the points for the fourth time this year.

The youngster was constantly setting stage times within the top-eight with the most impressive coming on the 22.4 kilometre Phaselis 1 test on Friday where he crossed the flying finish as the third fastest driver.

Solberg said: “I'm very, very happy, fifth place here is great and I have been so pleased with my driving. It's been a tough rally and we have had to manage the tyres well for the whole time.”

Wilson said: “This has definitely been one of our strongest performances we have had pace-wise and to come here, make new pace notes and set good times right from the very first stage is great.

“We have taken things step-by-step this year and to have two strong finishes in a row, in Greece and now Turkey, is very encouraging and helps a lot with my confidence for the next event.

“Again, this was a long, hot rally and my physical training has really proved its worth."

The unfortunate Galli said: “It is a very disappointing end to a tough event that we started really well on.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson said: “The Stobart drivers have really shone on this seriously demanding event.

“Gigi and Henning both set fastest times and the team have closed the championship gap to Subaru.

“Matthew has been brilliant here, he has really knuckled down and put in a strong performance, again picking up more driver points.”