Wilson ready for ‘hands-on’ Ford role at Sisteron

The Ford team director (along with some extra helpers) has been helicoptered to the summit of the classic Sisteron stage with instructions to push like hell if any of the Focus drivers get stuck on the six kilometres of snow and ice that coat the Col de Fontbelle.

Sisteron is one of the event's classic tests. Starting in the valley close to Sisteron itself, it climbs to 1300 metres before descending to the village of Thoard. Conditions at the start and finish are clear, but as the cars climb, they will hit ice and then snow (polished by a snow plough that attempted to clear the road last night).

Studded wet racers are the tyre choice, but they will already have been used on today's opening stage and won't be in perfect condition for Sisteron.

Wilson and the Ford gang are therefore ready to give extra impetus to their cars should they start to flounder about at the summit. Talk about 'hands on' management... (Arf! Arf!)