Subaru have endured a difficult start to the 2006 World Rally Championship, and as such SWRT sporting director, David Lapworth has been forced to relinquish his position at the head of the team, a move which was confirmed last week. He will be replaced by Paul Howarth.

Sporting director Luis Moya is hopeful though that Solberg will be able to fight for the win - on an event that is usually a good one for the Banbury based squad.

"The season started with two extremely specialised events, so in many respects the proper rallying starts now," he noted. "Mexico will be the first gravel event with the new car and, after such different rallies, will be much more indicative of performance levels.

"Mexico has traditionally been a very good rally for us, playing to both the strengths of the car and the tyres. In 2004 we led for the majority of the rally and then won in 2005. This year we want to repeat that run of success to lay the ghosts of the Swedish Rally to rest. There's no escaping the fact that Sweden was disappointing, but the post-event analysis was very thorough and we have a very good understanding of the root causes. Petter will come back with renewed enthusiasm and confidence in Mexico. He won last year and I see no reason why he can't repeat this again in 2006."

Solberg meanwhile, after failing to secure points in either of the opening two events, due to mechanical problems, knows that he needs a change in fortune.

"Well, we'll try again in Mexico!" he added. "We'll try very hard to get some points by finishing on the podium, but winning is the goal. I hope everything will be in good shape - the car, the tyres and me. We've got a good starting position and I hope we can go well on all three days. The team is very confident and we had a good test in Sardinia. There's so much more to come from us."



Manufacturer 2.

OMV Peugeot Norway WRT:

[Manfred Stohl, car #7 and Henning Solberg, car #8].

The OMV Peugeot Norway WRT lies third in the manufacturers' rankings after the opening two events of the season, having already scored ten points and their goal this weekend is to defend that position.

Prior to leaving for Mexico, OMV carried out a string of gravel tests close to Bozian Racing's headquarters in Lyon, with Manfred Stohl particularly happy with the way the 307 handled.

"It was exceptional," he enthused, "We've really got a grip on the Peugeot now - and we are much further on than we were at this point last year. I'm sure that Bozian Racing has prepared the Peugeot 307 WRC perfectly, and we will be able to compete with the best. My two fastest stage best times in Monte Carlo have given me confidence, and I want to compete right at the top."

Henning Solberg meanwhile is on a high buoyed by his recent success on the WRC candidate event - Rally Norway. He is confident that he can add to the single championship point already gained this year.