Kresta heads to video shop to prepare for Cyprus!

Ford number two driver, Roman Kresta will be preparing for the Cyprus Rally this weekend, by watching the 'box - however he won't be watching just any television programme, the Czech will be viewing last year's event, to get a feel for the stages.

Kresta, who has competed in Cyprus just once before, in 2002 when conditions were unusually wet, is on something of a high after claiming a career-best finish two weeks ago in Sardinia - when he came home sixth overall.

"I have in-car video footage from last year and some of the stages are exactly the same as this year. Before I go out there I will watch the video and get my mind focused on the type of roads that we will experience," he explained.

"The roads are rough and twisty and in places they are similar to the kind of stages we have just driven in Sardinia. It will be important to keep a smooth line because there are plenty of stones on the edge of the road.

"A good car for Cyprus needs good throttle response, good torque, good suspension and good tyres. The roads are hard on tyres but I think Michelin proved on the toughest stages in Sardinia that it has the rubber which will be good for Cyprus. It's a tough rally for drivers as well because the high temperatures mean it's hot in the car and the low speeds provide little air flow through the cockpit.

"The Focus is also well-suited to this kind of rally. It's easy to drive on the slower sections and you don't need an aggressive style, so there is not the risk of pushing too hard and losing the line and time."