The final day of the 2006 World Rally Championship contained just four stages split up into two repeated loops, but these were amongst the most difficult stages of the year. Torrential overnight rain and winds gusting at more than 90 kilometres an hour took their toll on the fast and narrow gravel roads, which claimed numerous victims throughout the day.

Under these trying conditions, both of the young Spanish crews decided to take no further risks. But Xevi was caught out slightly and had a spin that cost him 40 seconds to the leader.

« From the first stage of the day I had a small brake problem, » he reported. « These roads are so quick with so little margin for error that this sort of thing can really affect your confidence. After we had such a good day yesterday the last thing I wanted to do was throw all our hard work away. » Since  the Rally Australia, Xevi and Carlos have carried the number 1 on their Xsara as they deputise for newly-crowned World Champions* Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena. « It has been a huge privilege for me to carry Sébastien’s number on my car and to work with him and the entire team, » added Xevi. « Thanks to them I feel that I have improved a lot over the course of the season. »

Dani Sordo started the day eighth and moved up to seventh on SS16 (Brechfa 1, 28.89km) after setting a outstanding fastest time on the second stage of the day. Although it was his first Rally Great Britain, he finished all of the final day’s stages in the top five to round off an incredible year.  « This was one of the most challenging rallies of the year for me, » said the 23 year-old. « The roads were incredibly fast and narrow, and the weather conditions made life even more difficult. But I am very pleased to see that our pace notes were largely correct even though it was our first time here.  My target throughout this year was to learn, and it’s incredible that I have managed to do all 16 rallies when the original plan was just to do three ! There have been many fantastic memories for me, but if I had to choose one it would be standing on the podium at my home rally in Spain. I would like to thank the entire Kronos team for all their efforts, which have enabled me to learn so much. »