Subaru number one driver,
Petter Solberg has revealed that the important thing for them this weekend in Germany is to demonstrate that they have improved on asphalt after disappointing performances in Spain and France.
'Hollywood' has had a tough season to date, but since the last event in Greece at the end of June, he has been busy testing and is confident they have made progress with the Impreza WRC. Furthermore although the Rallye Deutschland hasn't been especially kind to him in the past, his best finish came last year when he was seventh, he doesn't dislike it.
"This year we've not had such good results on asphalt so the most important thing in Germany will be to progress from our previous form," he confirmed. "We had two days of testing in Germany at the end of July and we did find some improvements, which will be very important for us.
"I do enjoy the rally in itself, despite not having such a great history in the event. It's a reasonably difficult rally for a driver as each leg has a different character with a different type of asphalt and all of the roads are very dirty and slippery. Saturday's military stages are particularly tough."
Chris Atkinson meanwhile will drive the third Impreza this weekend, as Stephane Sarrazin will take over the #2 car. Atkinson is still quite inexperienced on asphalt but believes he can finish in the top eight and score some points. Indeed he managed just that at the season opening, Rallye Monte Carlo, when he brought his Impreza home in sixth.
"Germany was my first-ever asphalt event in 2005, but this year I'm going back there with a lot more experience. I've got another two Tour de Corse and Rally Catalunyas under my belt, plus Monte Carlo and Ireland. Competing in the Nurburg 24 hours helped too – over a 25km lap, you have lots of opportunity to get the right racing line and think about the set-up. Unfortunately, I've not had an opportunity to do a tarmac test before Germany this year so instead I've been concentrating on fitness, training and relaxing. Our goal for Germany has got to be a good finish, hopefully in the points," he noted.
