Subaru World Rally team boss, Richard Taylor has conceded that the Banbury-based outfit still need to do a lot more to get the most out of their 2007 car.
Subaru finished with all three of their cars in the points on the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse last weekend, however, once again they were unable to challenge for a podium place and in the end
Petter Solberg was fifth, while
Chris Atkinson and Xavier Pons finished sixth and eighth respectively.
Speaking following the final day, Taylor had mixed feelings about the event and the result.
“The team are pleased to finish with all three cars in points-scoring positions here in Corsica. Chris and Petter were able to achieve a top-three stage time each, however we clearly have more work to do to fully exploit the potential of our 2007 car and get back to achieving regular podium results,” he stated.
Xavier Pons meanwhile was happy to finish in the top eight - and score again, on only his fifth outing with the team in the ‘third' car. Although problems on the last day, when he had two punctures and slipped behind Skoda's Jan Kopecky did leave him a little frustrated.
“Looking at today it was not good for us, but for this weekend as a whole I am happy. The car has had no problems, which is important, and we have been able to concentrate on developing my style rather than making changes to the car which has helped me a great deal,” he noted.
“Leg one was hard for us, and yesterday was good. This morning was tough again, but this afternoon was much better. Xavier [Amigo – my co-driver] and I are developing our style with the car, and a championship point for us is very positive.”
