Petter Solberg has said that he is convinced the 2007-spec Subaru Impreza will be good and that this will allow the Banbury-based team to return to the front of the pack and challenge Ford and Citroen for event wins.

Solberg has had to endure a difficult season, along with all at the Subaru World Rally Team, however it appears that the outfit is now back on track and their form on the recent Rally Australia and in Turkey, bodes well for next season. Indeed Petter was right up there in Perth and although he took second, he kept eventual winner, Mikko Hirvonen honest throughout.

“I'm sure the new car will be very good,” said 'Hollywood' prior to the start of this weekend's Rally New Zealand. “Christophe [Chapelin], the new engineer at base, is leading a good team and I'm really looking forward to getting the new car.”

As for this weekend's event, Solberg is hoping that rain will play a big part, as he is convinced this will aid his cause.

“Yes, we're looking forward to rain! Really, really looking forward to rain! We are moving forward, the guys are flat-out and obviously I'm still pushing hard to get quicker, but that can't happen automatically,” he added. “Everyone is doing all they can but we are looking forward, that is the main thing. If it is raining, then yes we have a very good chance [to win] but if it's dry we will struggle a little. But there will be rain!

“The first day is difficult but second and third days are perfect [for me and the Impreza], I hope I am in top form and the car is good; we will see, trust me I will push - that is not the problem."