During the 2007 season, the Stobart M-Sport Ford team surpassed all its objectives with thanks going not only to the driver trio composed of Jari-Matti Latvala, Henning Solberg, and Matthew Wilson, but also to the dedicated crew working behind the scenes.

A quick tally of the team's accomplishments shows that points-scoring finishes were recorded on each of the World Rally Championship rounds, including a first-ever podium finish in Norway. Another milestone was reached when the team temporarily led a rally in Sardinia.

The Stobart outfit concluded its 2007 campaign in fourth position overall, only six points behind its year-long rival, the works Subaru team.

"What a great end to a superb season!" proudly exclaimed Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler. "I don't think anyone would have expected us to be able to challenge Subaru in the manufacturers' race but it just shows what a good job the crews have done this year."

"It has been fantastic for Stobart to be involved with our drivers and actually see how they have developed throughout the season. This is especially true for Jari-Matti, he has improved so much this year with both performance and consistency on gravel and tarmac," he added. "I have also been very impressed with Matthew and the benefit of his five-year plan is starting to show. His last three events have been fantastic and hopefully he can continue this in 2008."

Tinkler is already getting enthused about the 2008 season, scheduled to begin in Monte Carlo on January 24th.

"It is very encouraging going into next year as we know we are up there now with the other main teams and we just need to continue at that level for 2008," said the Stobart team CEO, adding: "Malcolm (Wilson) and M-Sport have done a great job all year in managing the team and the Focus has proved to be ultra-reliable."

Team Principal Malcolm Wilson was also feeling very satisfied with the Stobart Ford results this year.

"This season has seen a big step up in performance from last year and the team can be rightly proud of the job they have done," he declared.

"It has been one of the strongest performances in the WRC by a private team and we have created a great platform to build upon for next year. For a private team to be setting fastest times, leading events and grabbing podium finishes is a fantastic achievement," Wilson underlined.

The Stobart boss had further words of praise for those that made things possible not only for the team, but for its drivers' careers: "Andrew Tinkler must be congratulated because Stobart have played a massive part in Jari-Matti's development to the point where he has now moved up to the Ford team."

"They must be commended for supporting young drivers in the WRC and for playing a major role in the advancement of Jari-Matti and Matthew's careers," concluded Malcolm Wilson.