Ford boss still positive after ‘one that got away’

Ford finished the event second and third, courtesy of Carlos Sainz and new recruit Francois Delecour, and Wilson believes the team will come back stronger on the next event, the Swedish Rally.

"We're disappointed for Colin, obviously," said the Cumbrian. "To go out while leading is very hard, and it has a big effect on the whole team. But the great thing is that all three drivers set fastest stage times, which is encouraging from a performance point of view."

On Delecour's battling drive to third, which was hampered by punctures and gearbox and throttle problems over the first two days, Wilson said: "Francois' performance was nothing less than I expected. He took the first day to get used to the Focus being bigger than the Peugeot he drove last year, but after that, some of his times were excellent."

Despite McRae seeing victory slip from his fingers with the finish in sight for a second consecutive season, Wilson is confident that it will not unsettle the Scot.

"After he arrived back in service, he was already talking about what he wants for Sweden and what changes he thinks should be made," he said. "His passion and will to win are still there."

Despite being the only true winter rally on the calendar, Sweden is still among the fastest events on the WRC schedule, and Wilson says that should suit the three Focus drivers.

"We feel optimistic that the gains we've made in the top end performance will be very useful there," he said.

The Swedish Rally kicks off on February 9, finishing on February 11.