The Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team have moved up to occupy third place in the Manufacturers' championship thanks to Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila's magnificent third place at this weekend's penultimate championship round, Rally Ireland.

This result has given Stobart an amazing two podium places in as many events, another milestone in the team's short career.

“It's an amazing feeling to be on the podium especially on a tarmac rally," Latvala explained. "I have tried so hard all year and this result has given me a massive boost. I have come very close before, most recently in Japan, but to get this result here has more than made up for it."

Conditions all weekend were treacherous with many crews using a semi-gravel setup to combat the huge amount of mud and sludge that had been washed onto the roads caused by heavy rain and competitors taking massive cuts through the corners.

Latvala's performance was most impressive again and although he has led three WRC events already this year the Finn has never been on the podium until now. Collecting his first WRC career podium today was just reward for his strong performances throughout the season.

Over the three days the 22-year-old set a multitude of top-three stage times including two stage wins to add to his tally.

The only issue for him on this event was an almost rally-ending mistake when he slid off the road and into a soft grassy field; fortunately spectators responded quickly and were able to help him back on the road. This result now moves the Finn up to seventh in the drivers' championship.

"The conditions were so difficult here and I knew before the rally that it was going to be a hard one but I have driven sensibly and it has been a very strong performance from both myself and Miikka," he continued. "Now I am looking forward to Rally GB where we will be back on gravel; we had a great result on this rally last year so hopefully we can repeat this again.”