Martin happy with equal status

Martin is currently the number one driver in the Ford stable, whom he has a contract with until the end of this season. While remaining with Ford would be the ideal option, the Blue Oval has yet to commit itself to the World Rally Championship next year which has forced Martin to consider the other teams.

The most likely destination for the Estonian would be Subaru, Citroen or Peugeot where Martin's current title rivals Petter Solberg, Sebastien Loeb and Marcus Gronholm respectively reside. But Martin insists this would not be a problem for him although he admits it would be a tough challenge.

"I wouldn't have a problem driving with any of them," he told Autosport magazine. "It's nice to say that you are the number one driver, but it's not only good things that come with that. There's more pressure and more testing that comes with it. It's about give and take in a team. What is one or two in world motorsport? The only real number one is Michael Schumacher; all the rest of it is down to the speed of the drivers on the day.

"Okay, it might be tough going back and going against an established driver in a team, but that would be just another challenge. I've never had anything easy."

Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson would like to keep Martin should Ford stick to the series, but should he leave the ream Wilson is confident team-mate Francois Duval could take up the helm.

"Getting Ford's commitment has to be my priority at the moment," Wilson said. "If we don't have a programme next year then whether we have Markko or not isn't going to make any difference. Obviously we would like to keep Markko but, at the same time, if he does go then I don't see any reason why Francois wouldn't be ready to take on the role of team leader. Francois has really developed in the last couple of seasons. He's becoming the complete driver."