Malcolm Wilson says if his M-Sport team fails to wrap up the WRC manufacturers’ title later this month, it doesn’t deserve it.
After further pulling clear of rivals Hyundai in Spain last weekend, Wilson’s squad is all but guaranteed the title win on home ground when the series resumes at Dayinsure Wales Rally GB (26 – 29 October).
M-Sport heads to the penultimate round with a lead of 85 points over Hyundai and a straightforward hurdle to clear.
“All we have to do is get one of our cars to the end,”Wilson told wrc.com. “If we do that, then that’s enough points to clinch the championship. I think if we don’t win the manufacturers’ title in the UK for sure we don’t deserve it.”
Wilson paid tribute to his drivers after their double podium in Spain, a result that strengthened Sébastien Ogier’s grip on the drivers’ title and moved Ott Tänak into the runner-up position.
“We might not have taken the win this weekend, but it almost feels that way,” he said. “There was a good battle between Sébastien and Ott but they both knew exactly what they had to do.
“In the end, Seb made a big step towards the drivers’ championship and it’s great news that Ott moves ahead of Thierry Neuville in the standings. We know that Ott is going to be quick in Great Britain and I think we’ll see a great fight towards the end of the season.”
Wilson acknowledged that his team’s success to date has outweighed his expectations at the start of the season.
“To have our two drivers leading the way is something we never thought possible. It’s remarkable what the guys have done this year.”
