Wilson completes first WRC test

The Cumbrian completed six runs of the Monte Carlo Rally shakedown stage, based in Sospel in the southern French Alps, without any problems aboard his Stobart VK M-Sport team Ford Focus RS WRC 04.

Wilson ran with a full ice tyre for three runs before switching to a half-stud for the next three. The 9.6-km test was covered in icy patches, with snow still lying at the side of parts of the road.

Wilson said: "After all the waiting, it's great to finally get in the car and drive. Shakedown went really well this morning. I'd never driven this kind of tyre on ice, so it was good for me that there was so much of it around.

"I was surprised at how much grip the studded tyres gave on the ice, it was incredible - and then even on the stretches of dry asphalt you still get grip; it was a real eye-opener.

"I feel a lot happier about everything now. It's still amazing to be here. It kind of hits you when you're driving into Monaco and there's all the hype around for the rally, that's when I start to think: 'Crikey, I'm actually competing here.' It's just fantastic - a dream come true.

"Having said that, I realise this is going to be a massively steep learning curve. Particularly on this rally, where the conditions can be so changeable."

Subaru driver Stephane Sarrazin was quickest in the shakedown, despite this being only his second attempt at the WRC opener.

Citroen duo Xavi Pons and Sebastien Loeb were second and third, as the Spaniard led the early running against his double World Champion teammate.