Ford BP Rallye Sport drivers Markko Martin and Michael Park claimed the
outright lead in the FIA World Rally Championship today after finishing
third in a dramatic Rally New Zealand. The podium finish in their Ford
Focus RS World Rally Car moved them one point clear at the top of the
standings after four of the 16 rounds. Ford retained the lead in the
manufacturers' series with a double points haul from Martin and team-mates
Francois Duval and Stephane Prevot.

Martin and Park started the four-day Auckland-based rally as joint leaders
of the championship after victory in Mexico last month. Debuting the 2004
version of the Focus RS WRC, they won three of the 23 sweeping gravel speed
tests on North Island, covering 395.50km. Duval, who finished 18th after
going off the road this morning, won another to seal a successful debut for
the new car.

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