Furthermore since being confirmed with the Ford 'A' team for 2008, the 22-year-old has been busy doing several tests, the most recent of which came to a close on Saturday when the M-Sport-run outfit was back in France to conclude its preparations for the Monte.

"I have a good feeling. We have been at M-Sport and have been getting ourselves familiar with the new car. I have done quite a lot of testing too. I am confident and we have a test on Saturday [January 19] and hopefully we can get a good set-up for Monte Carlo," he told Crash.net Radio in a separate interview.

"I would say if I can finish in the top-five I would be very satisfied. Monte Carlo is of course though very difficult. It is always a very hard rally for all the drivers. It is not so easy to enjoy because there are some big challenges to get through during the rally.

"But if it is snowy I hope it will suit my driving style. It should be a good rally also for the Ford Focus. Marcus Gronholm won the rally in 2006. It should be good for the Ford team."

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH MIKKO HIRVONEN - RECORDED AT THE AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW: CLICK HERE

TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH JARI-MATTI LATVALA: CLICK HERE


Subaru WRT:

[Petter Solberg, car #5 and Chris Atkinson, car #6]

Punctures could be a real issue, says Petter.

Subaru's #1 driver Petter Solberg has warned that competitors will pay a high price for punctures this season following the outlawing of anti-deflation devices.

Speaking ahead of the Rallye Monte Carlo, the Norwegian added that whoever adapts quickest to the new Pirelli tyres and the conditions will do well this weekend at the Principality.

Furthermore while Petter himself hasn't had much luck on the Monte - only scoring points twice in his last five attempts, when he was sixth in 2007 and seventh in 2004 - he is determined to do as well as possible this time out to get the new season off to a positive start.

"It is important to get into a rhythm straight away and settle into a pace you feel comfortable with. With no anti-deflation mousse you can't take risks in the stages as a puncture could finish your rally," he confirmed.