Stobart Ford's Henning Solberg wants to strengthen his position in the drivers' championship this weekend and again challenge for a place on the podium.

The Norwegian had a dismal time in Finland last month and only finished 30th after suspension problems on the second day. Now he is eager to make the most of the absence of his brother, Petter and consolidate his fifth place in the World Rally drivers' championship standings.

He should be well placed to get a good result too, as while the event is a step into the unknown, only ten drivers' will compete in World Rally Cars, and and that means all of them could get some fairly good points, as long as they get to the finish without having to SupeRally.

"I really enjoy the fast gravel rallies and from competing in Australia before I know that I enjoy it there," said Henning. "I had an accident there last time so I really do not want a repeat of that.

"I hope that I can achieve another top-five finish as, with Petter not competing in Australia, that would help my position in the drivers' standings; so I need to make the most of his absence and score good points.

"I have had a lot of bad luck recently, and I know that anything can happen, but I hope that it is my turn to have some good luck."

M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson meanwhile reckons it will be a tough test in New South Wales for both Henning and his son, Matthew Wilson, in the sister Stobart Ford entry.

"The long haul events always provide an extra buzz for the drivers and teams and it will be fantastic to be back competing in Australia after a two-year break.

"I'm expecting it to be a real challenge for the Stobart crews but both Matthew and Henning have gone well on new events this year with Henning collecting a podium on the new round in Poland. With the championship battle hotting up, securing a strong points haul from this rally will be more important than ever," Wilson Sr concluded.