Suzuki team boss Nobuhiro Tajima has said that the Corona Rally Mexico will be a 'big test' for 'his' team.

The North American event, the third round in the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship, will mark the SX4 WRC's first competitive outing outside of Europe and only its second on gravel, following the 'test' outing with Sebastian Lindholm on the Wales Rally GB at the end of '07.

With two points finishes already in the bag though, the Japanese manufacturer will again be aiming for a top eight result and since Sweden a number of small improvements have been made to the hydraulic system on the SX4 in order to improve reliability and also performance.

"This rally will be a very big test for us," Tajima confirmed, "but we need to approach it patiently and methodically - as we have done throughout the season so far.

"Of course we start off at a disadvantage compared to our more experienced rivals, but this is all part of the learning process.

"Gravel will be a new adventure for us this year in Mexico and it is important for us to get it right, step by step, in view of all the other [gravel] events to come. At the same time we aim to enjoy ourselves."

Toni Gardemeister and Per-Gunnar Andersson meanwhile have both only done the Rally Mexico once before - back in 2005.

P-G finished second in the JWRC back then with the Ignis S1600 and he is well aware the roads will be tough and unpredictable.

The Swede is still hopeful though that he can break into the points and add to the one he managed at the season opening Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo.

"It's the sort of event where absolutely anything might happen," he said. "If things go well and other people have problems, you could be in the top five. Equally, you could be unlucky and hit trouble.

"Realistically I think we have to aim for the top eight. Because of the altitude and our lack of experience compared to everyone else, that would be a good result," he summed-up.