Subaru World Rally Team test driver Markko Martin has said that his first test with the new Impreza WRC2008 was 'promising'.

The Estonian completed his first week aboard the car yesterday [Friday], notching up almost 1000 kilometres in total over the five days in Sardinia, while his team-mates, Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson were in action on day 2 of the Rallye Monte Carlo with the 2007 spec car.

Although Martin was focusing more on endurance testing of the car and components and familiarisation for both the engineers and himself, he was positive about the gravel test, which was conducted in changeable weather conditions and utilised a variety of roads from wide sweeping routes to tight and technical sections.

"We've been testing the WRC2008 all week and have done a lot of kilometres since Monday," reflected the 32-year-old, who competed with the team in the WRC back in 2001. "The testing was very promising, and though it is obviously too early to comment on performance, myself and the team have learned a lot about the car to help us make all the right decisions at this early stage.

"It's a great feeling to be back with the team again – it's been a while since I was last here and there are some old faces and some new faces. The team are all speaking the same language which is important in understanding the direction of the car which is crucial.

"It's a very exciting car for the team and for Subaru, and it's a privilege to be involved with it. It's always a good feeling to drive a new car, and I'm looking forward to the next test where we will start to focus on performance."

Subaru team boss, David Richards meanwhile added that he is looking forward to chatting with Martin now and getting all the details. He was also reasonably pleased to see Atkinson and Solberg end day 2 of the Monte in fourth and sixth respectively.

"With a solid and reliable performance we are on target for both cars in the top five," he added. "Although Saturday is the longest day of the event, Monte Carlo has a sting in the tail with five stages on Sunday without a full service.

"I'm excited that testing progress with the Impreza WRC2008 is progressing well too, and look forward to talking to Markko when he joins us on Rallye Monte Carlo on Sunday."