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Robert Kubica has been tipped to triumph on a World Rally Championship round this season by his M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson.

The Pole led 2014's Monte Carlo opener after two of the most challenging stages in the rally's history.

While he crashed out on day two, he was still firmly challenging for a podium spot on what was only his ninth start in the world championship - and his first in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Wilson hailed Kubica's performance as the most impressive M-Sport debut he has seen, and said his pace confirmed him as a real rally-winning threat later in the season.

Kubica leads the heroes of Monte Carlo

"What Robert did was amazing," said Wilson.

"Coming here and leading Monte Carlo has to make this the most impressive debut I've ever seen from anybody coming into the team.

"It's not just the fact that he was leading, but it was the margin he opened up after the second stage, especially in [such] conditions. This has been one of the most difficult Montes I can remember.

"All of the guys were on the same tyres, but he led by more than half a minute.

"Robert really understood that he had to make the end and on the second day he was driving with the finish in mind, which makes his pace even more impressive.

"Yes he made a mistake, but he was unlucky.

"I definitely think he has the potential to be there challenging for the win."