I don't try to use them that much but when you enter a corner too fast they can be a help. The problem is that a driver can't rely on them. If temperatures aren't cold enough to freeze the snow properly, instead of bouncing off the banks, cars can be dragged into the snow or plough through them and off the road.

We are expecting a lot and so is the team. First tests in December in Sweden and France showed us that these expectations are well reasoned. All new Focus is not only fast but incredibly reliable after such a short development.

A change always gives you an extra injection of energy and this is our first move after working seven years for Peugeot. It was a bit sad to leave the team where we have had everything in our career. We have a load of nostalgic memories from the past years. Now we face the pleasant challenge of learning the way our new team is working and to get to know all the people involved.

The conditions are awful, I hate them. I have been driving like my grandmother. Still, it's my first time out with Ford and I'm leading the Monte Carlo rally ... that's not so bad.

The most important thing is that the car has taken a step forward.

Peugeot, Citroen, Skoda and Mitsubishi are not competing as official manufacturer teams in the championship [this year] and that is a pity.

The car was fine and the tires were good. It's still a long way to go but it looks good now.

The win is fantastic. When Loeb went off I just controlled my pace, but with him in contention it would have been very difficult.

It was a good fight until yesterday night, Loeb was very good here. We have won this rally many times and I'm happy for that. Today we had to be cautious not to hit any stones or holes which could do damage to the car, it was not fun to drive the last stages.