Gronholm’s team-mate,
Mikko Hirvonen meanwhile has set his sights on third in the drivers’ championship, after closing the gap to
Daniel Sordo to just two points. Hirvonen has been on fire of late and has had a fantastic run, taking five podiums from the last six rallies. In contrast Sordo has endured a difficult spell and going to Turkey this coming weekend, the momentum is definitely with the Finn, who will compete on this event for the third time, having retired in 2003 and taken sixth back in 2004.
"Turkey is similar to Cyprus but less extreme in every way," said Mikko. "The roads are faster and wider, they are not as rough and the temperatures are a bit cooler. In some places there are stones lying in the road and because the speeds are higher it's easy to damage the car. It has been raining there and while it is dying, I think there will still be damp and muddy places. Even a small amount of rain changes the road surface quickly.”
Subaru World Rally Team:
[
Petter Solberg, car #5 and
Chris Atkinson, car #6.]
Petter Solberg has admitted that while it will probably be tough for the Banbury-based outfit in Turkey, he is still going to aim for a podium. The Norwegian has managed that feat twice to date in Turkey, in three attempts, finishing second in 2005 and third in 2004. Furthermore while this season hasn’t gone to plan for him or the team, ‘Hollywood’ is by no means giving up and has vowed to do the best he can.
“The Turkish rally is good, I like the stages a lot and it’s one that normally suits our car and tyres pretty well,” he noted. “We’ve shown good speed there in the past and I’m going to do the best job I can this time too. When it comes to setting a personal goal for the rally, I really want to say that I’ll fight for a win, but given our current form that will be very difficult. So I’m aiming for a podium.
“Who knows though maybe there will be the chance of something better. Things can change very quickly in this sport, and for sure things will turn around for us sooner or later.”
