by Rob Wilkins

The decision to axe Toni Gardemeister and♑ Roman Kresta was by no means an easy one, according Ford team directorꦫ, Malcolm Wilson.

Speaking exclusively to ltxcn.top Radio, Wilson added though that while they both did a good job in 2005, the M-Sport run squad had no choice, as they have to do all that is necessary to ensure Ford have the best possible chance of taking wins and ultimately the champion♚ship.

"In fairness Toni and Roman both did a very good jo♋b [in 2005]. We have had a good year," said Wilson, when asked why b🦄oth drivers' were given the boot.

"Toni finished fourth in the drivers' ♏championship and we finished third in the manufacturers', which was above what we set our target at [prior to the start of this year].

"But having said that, this was t♋he first year we haven't won rallies in the history of the Ford Focus. It was a very difficult decision because they both did well and did exactly what we expected.

"But we have got a long term commitment from Ford and it is very clear we have to deliver. Sad as it is we decided to go this route. I was really genuinely hoping one of those two drivers could have come up to the mark and be in contentiღon for a seat [in 2006]."

As ✱such Ford will hav🌸e a completely new driver line-up for Monte Carlo, led by double world champion, Marcus Gronholm, while Mikko Hirvonen returns to the team follow a year in the 'WRC wilderness', after being dropped by Subaru.

"I think [with Marcus and Mikko] we have inves🐈ted in the short term and the long term. Marcus is a proven winner and one of fastest drivers iཧn the world. I am totally confident we will win rallies next year with him.

"In Mikko we have got a driver we feel will deliver in the future and in some rallies, shall we say, we will be taking the brakes off and on other events we will say: 'we need you to get the experience and finish this rally'. Being realistic it is too much to expect us to go for the championship next year - with the car being so new and developed in record time, it is going to be difficult.ꩲ But still I am very confident we can win events."