"Our successes in Mexico and Jordan have put us in a strong position, so we don't need to win. In Italy, my aim is just to get to the finish in order to keep scoring points."
Amongst his rivals, Patrik Sandell, who won the Junior title in 2006, is likely to be especially keen to do well, after missing out on the victory in Jordan. The Swede has only scored 4 points in the JWRC so far and so will be mindful that he needs to add to that tally.
Suzuki Sport Europe duo, Jaan Molder and Michal Kosciuszko will also be up there, as will Martin Prokop. Prokop skipped the last event and after his error in Mexico this is a critical event for him.
"Since Mexico we've been quite busy, as we competed on the Rally Argentina and then had a test session in order to prepare for Sardinia," he noted.
"Most of the work has concentrated on suspension set-up, which is tested to the utmost in Italy. It's our fourth participation in this rally, and the third one at the wheel of a Citroën C2 Super 1600. I particularly enjoy this rally - the stages are very varied with a number of challenges. Last year we were on the podium and this year our goal is to try and win. This is essential to make up for our mistake in Mexico and challenge for the title."
Aaron Burkart, like Prokop, also didn't nominate Jordan as one of his six points' scoring events and he is keen to get back out in his C2 S1600.
"After quite a long break, I'm delighted to get back into competition. In order not to lose our rhythm, we've competed on a rally in Austria and also done some testing," he added.
"Now, the real action starts! It seems to me that this year's route is quicker than last year's, which is good for me. I was fifth in 2006 and fourth last year, so this year I hope to improve again with a podium place. All the key players for the title will be there, so it's important for me to score points before the asphalt rallies, which I'm really looking forward to."
