Subaru boss David Richards has said that he is confident the team will be able to take a 'very positive step forward' on the Acropolis Rally next weekend, when the outfit debuts its all-new Impreza WRC2008.
Testing with the Impreza WRC2008, billed as the most 'radically different Subaru World Rally Car in 15 years', has gone well in recent months and so much so that the hatchback is being rolled out earlier than initially planned.
The launch couldn't come at a better time for the Banbury-based squad either as the recent Rally d'Italia Sardegna exposed just how far behind WRC2008's predecessor was to the
Citroen C4 WRC and the Ford Focus RSWRC07, with
Petter Solberg and
Chris Atkinson both well off the pace.
While some have questioned the logic of launching the car in Greece, especially as it is now regarded as the 'Safari' of the WRC, with a real reputation as a car breaker, Richards remains convinced it is the right decision to use it now, rather than wait until after the summer break.
"The Acropolis will see a very different Subaru World Rally Team as we return to full strength upon the debut of our new car," he stated. "Whilst a very different look and direction for us, the WRC2008 is instantly recognisable as a Subaru and I am sure will continue the marque's iconic heritage.
"I am confident of a very positive step forward in our pace in Greece, despite it being the toughest event of the year, and moreover its debut heralds a new chapter in the team's illustrious history."
Subaru World Rally Team operations director Paul Howarth meanwhile concedes that the seventh round in the World Rally Championship is one of the most challenging.
Howarth reckons though that they are ready - and the final test done between Sardinia and the Acropolis has just reinforced his belief.
