Whilst team boss Malcolm Wilson – a successful former driver himself – has suggested Rossi may be capable of a top ten finish in the event, 'The Doctor' himself is more circumspect, aware of both the treacherous conditions encountered on the recce, and the strong field of some 86 participants he will be up against. Compared to New Zealand, he well knows, Wales Rally GB will be a whole different kettle of fish.

“I thank Malcolm a lot for saying that,” he stated, “but it will be very difficult to get into the top ten for me, because there are more WRC competitors than there were in New Zealand. The important thing for me is to look at my times on the stages and the difference to the top guys.

“[The conditions are] incredible. It's a pity, because the stages are very good, but there's a lot of snow in some places. We'll also need to be a little bit lucky, because for sure tomorrow and on Saturday morning there will be a lot of snow. To control the car on the snow with these tyres will be tricky, but we'll try!”

by Russell Atkins in Cardiff