“Judging by Monte Carlo and the test we've just had, the car seems quite good on tarmac and I think we've made some steps forward there as well. We've got four tarmac rallies to come and there are a lot of points up for grabs there. It's definitely going to be interesting and we're going to have to be on top of our game.”

One event the New South Wales native admits he will miss this year is Rally Australia, which has been dropped from the schedule ahead of a proposed relocation in 2008. When he returns behind the wheel of one of Subaru's “awesome” new road-going Impreza STI-based models next year, Atkinson hopes, it will be very much as a contender for victory.

“Obviously it's immensely disappointing for me,” he acknowledged, “and not just because it's my home event. It was a rally I really enjoyed in terms of the stages and challenge it presented. It was always quite demanding and entertaining for the spectators as well, but we look forward to next year and having a round back in Australia again.

“We're looking forward to some big things in 2008, that's for sure. It's going to be interesting and I know the guys are working hard on the new car, but for now the main focus is still on 2007.”