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Kresta signs as Ford's test driver

Czech driver Roman Kresta will stay with Ford next season as their official test driver

Kresta finished eighth in the World Rally Championship this season with the team, but was replaced in the main driving line-up for next year by double World Champion Marcus Gronholm and ex-Subaru driver Mikko Hirvonen.

However, Kresta has now decided to stay with the team in a testing role.

Kresta will help develop the Focus RS WRC 06, which enjoyed a successful debut last month in the Rally Australia when Kresta scored the first World Championship points by finishing fifth.

"Roman proved his abilities as an excellent test driver throughout 2005," said Ford team director Malcolm Wilson. 

"His technical knowledge is good and I was impressed with his feedback on the new car during Rally Australia.  We have a big test schedule next year and Roman will play an important role in the continued development of the new Focus RS WRC, while also easing the workload on Marcus and Mikko."

Kresta says that although he will miss competing, he is relishing the chance to drive the Focus again.

"It is very good news for me and I am really happy that I will stay with the team," said Kresta.  "I know the Ford team really well after the 2005 season and I know what it is capable of.  Of course, your heart always wants to compete and I will miss competition but I am looking forward to my new job.

"The debut of the new Ford Focus RS World Rally Car in Australia showed how amazing the car is and I cannot wait to drive it again.  I will do my best to help the team to improve the car."

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