Twenty years after Malcolm Wilson won the British Rally Championship in these colours, Matthew Wilson will return the iconic Michelin Pilot livery to the woods next week.The Fiesta RRC Wilson Jr will drive on Wales Rally GB has been given an identical colour scheme to the one his father used in a two-year deal on his Ford Escort Cosworth in 1993 and 1994.
The British series was the backbone of the programme in the Nineties and, while Wilson Sr fell foul of a burgeoning Richard Burns in year one, he did manage to lead the Swedish and finish on the podium on the RAC Rally.
Year two was all about British domination. Malcolm crushed the opposition, winning 75 of 98 stages and taking victory on all-but the opening BRC round – where a fuel pump problem stopped the Escort on the second stage on the Rally of Wales.
The 1994 British Rally Champion said: “I had two fantastic years driving the Michelin Pilot Escort RS Cosworth and enjoyed wonderful support from Michelin. It’s great to see that Matthew is able to bring the livery back to the stages in celebration of the 20th anniversary of our [BRC] championship winning year.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been 20 years since I was driving the Michelin Pilot Escort. I still get asked about it today which I think goes to prove how fondly it is remembered within the rally community.
“It’s been a while since Matthew has contested a WRC event, but I have no doubt that he and Scott [Martin, co-driver] will have a lot of fun and give the spectators another British crew to support.”
Wilson Jr’s most recent record on rallies is exceptional, taking two podiums – second on the Sasol Rally South Africa and an R5+ victory on the Grizedale Stages. Both were a year ago. His last WRC outing was Sweden, 2013, when he took over Nasser Al-Attiyah’s entry (and rolled, gently in some very powdery snow). His last WRC outing with Scott Martin was Wales two years ago.
Matthew said: “It’s been a long time since I’ve been behind the wheel of a rally car in competition and I can’t wait to get out and experience some of Wales Rally GB’s most legendary stages. Scott and I are really looking forward to entertaining the home fans and
to be able to do it with such a well-known livery is a real honour.
“The Michelin Pilot Sport car is an important part of British rally history; as well as for us in the Wilson family. It is recognised all over the world and I would like to thank Michelin for their support in bringing this iconic livery back to the stages.”
Twenty years isn’t the only anniversary this year, though. Next week’s Wales Rally GB also marks the 10th anniversary of the first Wilson-Martin partnership on a WRC round.
Source: Maxrally