Team-mate Katsu Taguchi is equally confident he can win. The Japanese driver led for most of the New Caledonian event, but lost out to Valimaki through tyre choice. Looking ahead to Canberra Taguchi said: “Jussi chose the mud tyre that was the correct choice for him - but this tyre doesn't suit my sideways style and it is better to finish second than loose time and points with a puncture. Overall I'm very happy with my driving and I think I can win in Canberra.”

A battle to watch in Canberra will be between Indonesian Rifat Sungkar and India's Naren Kumar. The Team India driver had a dismal time in New Zealand with gearbox problems and punctures, but has so far this year set quick times when things have gone well.

Sungkar has the benefit of Crocker's knowledge and quickly got to grips with his new Subaru New Zealand. Both drivers have competed in Canberra before, Kumar in 2002 with the MRF team and Sungkar last year with the Indonesian Rally Team.

With its base in the Australian capital Canberra - and stages in the nearby forests, the Rally of Canberra begins this Friday [June 1] and finishes on Sunday [June 3].