Martin's dream win
With Ford still to make a decision on its future participation in the World Rally Championship Markko Martin couldn't have picked a better time to win. But win he did, and in dominant style, on the Rallye de France
The Estonian, who switches to the works Peugeot team in 2005, battled with team-mate Francois Duval for the lead of the Tour de Corse until the Belgian was forced out with engine problems. After that it was plain sailing for Martin who was delighted to have finally secured a victory on asphalt.
"It's a great moment for me to win on asphalt for the first time," he said. "Corsica is the classic asphalt event and the ultimate one to win. It has been a brilliant weekend, and we've had a really impressive run.
"Today was enjoyable, but Friday and Saturday were really hard work. It was satisfying to enjoy today after the hard effort of the last two days.
Martin admitted afterwards, that he has always dreamed of winning in Corsica and that he has but one ambition left to achieve in world rallying.
"When I started my career, I had three goals - to win Rally Finland, to win on asphalt, preferably in Corsica, and to win the world championship," he said. "I've achieved the first two, so I only have one more to go."
Martin believes that his win in France justifies the potential of the Focus WRC, which has been fast on several events this season.
"We've finally been able to use the Christian Loriaux-designed Focus WRC to its full potential on asphalt this weekend," he said. "We've had the fastest car for two years on this surface, and at last we've made it work. It was important for me to win here, and full credit for the team. I've had a really low summer, and now we've blown everyone away."
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