Malcolm Wilson: “I still believe the WRC puts on an incredible show”

Hello Malcolm! The Dakar is an unusual place to meet you, since it is your team’s first participation in rally-raid. Did you know about the ordeal from the inside before this month?

I went to the Dakar when it passed through Chile about ten years ago. At the time, the event was looking to adapt its regulations for cars from WRC, because the stages were similar to what we found at the Argentina rally. The idea quickly disappeared. I returned to the event last year, in Saudi Arabia, to better understand the event ahead of our first participation this month.

You were able to see the full form of Carlos Sainz despite being 61 years old; Is he on your list of contenders for the 2025 Dakar team?

I'm not surprised by his level of performance. His work ethic was already phenomenal during his rally days (Carlos Sainz was a double world rally champion in 1990 and 1992. Editor’s note). Concerning the future, we are never safe from a surprise...

Of course, you're not driving Nani Roma's Range Raptor T1+ here. What do you have in your garage in England?

Lots of Fords! I often use a very practical minivan, unfortunately no longer produced, the S-Max. Otherwise, I have two latest generation Ford GTs, including one that belongs to Sébastien Ogier. It was his gift in the event of a world title in 2018 (Which was the case. Editor’s note)! I take care of him, in case he wants to come back. (Laughs).

Your entire life has revolved around Ford, from a young age. Destiny is a prankster!

Indeed, my parents ran a garage specializing in Fords. There was a customer who came to repair the engine of his Ford Cortina before a competition. Curious, I listened