Wilson: Ford still in contention

Marcus Gronholm could manage no better than second on the asphalt event in Corsica, but with gravel events next up on the calendar, the team are confident that they remain title contenders.

"It keeps us in contention, especially with rallies coming up that suit our car and drivers," said Wilson, who also saw Mikko Hirvonen take fourth.

"I'm delighted that Mikko scored good points that will give him a better start position for the gravel events to come.

"Apart from Citroen, we were the only other team to set fastest stage times, and that pleases me."

Although Gronholm admitted that he would have preferred to win in Corsica, he believes that Ford's form this weekend was not truly indicative of the potential of their car on asphalt events.

"Second place is a good, solid result and while a driver is never totally happy with second, I am pleased with the eight points it brings," he said.

"I didn't have the chance to win here against Loeb. I think I can beat him on asphalt but I just don't know where or when.

"I didn't have enough experience of the new Focus in competition on asphalt to match him. It's the first time in Corsica with the car, and we haven't tested on roads like this so we're still learning.

"I felt something was missing but I don't know what that was. But the team is only three points from the championship lead and that puts us in a strong position going back to three gravel events."