WRC: Matthew Wilson replaces Nasser Al-Attiyah for Rally Sweden

Matthew Wilson will replace Nasser Al-Attiyah in this week’s Rally Swedend after the Qatari driver fell ill last weekend.

Al-Attiyah was supposed to make his 2013 season debut with the Qatar World Rally Team in Sweden, but when his condition made him unable to attend a pre-event test on Monday he decided to pull out. “I am extremely disappointed not to be travelling to Sweden with the team this week, but it is important that I concentrate on making a full recovery for my next event,” he was quoted as saying by WRC.com.

Brit Matthew Wilson will step in for him at the wheel of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC alongside Al-Attiyah’s regular co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini. “I know Matthew well, and know that he will do a good job for the team. I’ll be following all the crews’ progress from home, and will keep my fingers crossed for a good result,” added Al-Attiyah.

Wilson’s last WRC rally was Wales Rally GB in 2012. He has entered Rally Sweden six times before, ranking 7th in 2010. Last year a broken ankle prevented him from driving in Sweden. “After so much disappointment last season, it is an absolutely fantastic feeling to know that I will be back behind the wheel of a World Rally Car this week. It’s always tricky adapting to a new co-driver, but he is one of the best in the business,” said Wilson.