The Mediterranean island has hosted Italy’s WRC counter since 2004 and has proved a hit with Ford in the past with Marcus Gronholm triumphing in 2007 and Jari-Matti Latvala grabbing honours two years later.

With Sebastien Loeb and Citroen claiming the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles respectively on the previous round in France, Latvala says the only target is first place now that the pressure of the year-long championship chase is over.

“That changes the situation for the final two rallies,” said the Finn, who pilots the Blue Oval’s lead Fiesta RS WRC. “Chasing wins has been obviously been a target throughout the season but points finishes no longer have any real meaning, so victories are our only real goal now.”

Norwegian Solberg (pictured right with Latvala) is also determined to end 2013 on a high having crashed in spectacular fashion in France. “The roads in Sardinia are fantastic and I will push hard,” said Solberg. “Winning is all that matters