"On the other hand though, we're happy to start with a rally that Seb' and Daniel like and they have dominated for the past four years. This event, maybe more than another, can be won with a perfectly organised team. We will do our maximum to succeed in this very important first test."
BP Ford:
[Marcus Gronholm, car #3 and
Mikko Hirvonen, car #4.]
Ford will use the brand new Focus WRC 06 this season and following its first appearance in Australia at the end of last year, the M-Sport based squad has been busy testing to adapt the car for asphalt.
Ford completed their pre-season testing in the south of France on Friday, with team leader, Marcus Gronholm, Mikko Hirvonen and test driver Roman Kresta all in action during the five-day sealed surface test near Gap. It was the third test in preparation for the season following pre-Christmas programmes in Sweden and France.
"The car is ready on asphalt. Testing has gone well and I already have a good feeling with the car," said Gronholm prior to the event. "I feel excited about this season and I have been counting down the days to the start it since the end of last season. It's best not to try too hard on Rallye Monte Carlo though. It's a tough rally and my aim is to score a good result and avoid making any silly mistakes in the unpredictable conditions."
Hirvonen meanwhile, who drove for the team back in 2003, was also pleased following their latest test.
"Testing has gone well for me so far. Asphalt isn't my favourite surface but I scored my best result on an asphalt rally in Spain last year - taking my first podium - so I know can drive well enough on it," he added. "I've had no problems settling into the team. Many of the faces are the same as when I drove for Ford in 2003 and that has made it easier. I know testing is different to the heat of competition, but I'm confident I can start the season well and open the year with a good, solid result."
555 Subaru World Rally Team:
[
Petter Solberg, car #5 and Stephane Sarrazin, car #6.]
Subaru, like Ford, will introduce a new car this weekend, however while the new Focus ran in Australia last year, Monte Carlo will be the first appearance for the Subaru Impreza WRC 2006.
