Unlike Henning, Jari-Matti Latvala and Matthew Wilson though will have a bit of experience to draw on as they have both previously competed on Irish tarmac events. Wilson also won the Rally Ireland candidate event in 2005.

“I'm really looking forward to this event but I also know how tricky it can be,” added the Englishman. “There are a lot of unknowns here for everybody which is going to make things very interesting throughout the pack.

“When we won here in 2005 it was quite surprising because it was a mixed-surface event and we thought we would have the advantage on gravel and be behind on tarmac but after the opening, tarmac day we were over a minute ahead against some very quick Irish competitors.

“A couple of the stages are in the same area so for me it will help to have this prior knowledge of the roads and especially of the tricky surface. These final two events are essentially both home rallies for me and I can't wait to have another go at Irish roads before heading back for the final round in Wales,” he summed-up.


Munchi's Ford WRT:

[Luis-Perez Companc, car #11 and Federico Villagra, car #12]

Not in action in Ireland.

The Munchi's Ford WRT will miss this coming weekend's Rally Ireland as the event is not part of their ten-event campaign.

The final event for Luis-Perez Companc and Federico Villagra will be the Rally GB.

Both drivers' will head to the event in Wales though boosted by their form in Japan. The Munchi's squad celebrated a breakthrough result there after getting both of its cars to the finish line in the top eight.

“What a weekend. This has been a fantastic personal result for me and also for the Munchi's team,” said Luis after finishing in fifth in Japan. “This is by far my best result and for Federico to back it up and pick up points [with P7] is also amazing.

“We started well and were careful not to make any mistakes. It's been very good work by the team and a fantastic weekend.”


Production Car WRC:

Pozzo and Higgins to make Arai sweat?

Gabriel Pozzo and Mark Higgins both need to do well this weekend in Ireland to keep their slim hopes of taking the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship title alive.

Toshi Arai currently leads, but cannot add to his 39 point tally as he has taken in all of his six nominated events.

Pozzo currently trails the Japanese driver by 17 points, while Higgins is 20 adrift. As such both need very good results to stay in contention - the latter has to win, while the former has to finish in at least second.

"I don't know too much about what to expect," said Pozzo. "I have no experience of this rally – but then again, nobody does – but as well, I don't know too much about driving on asphalt.

“I've done some asphalt WRC rounds before, but not too many and certainly none that sound anything like Ireland. All I can do is look forward. I'm not thinking about the championship at all. I want to win the rally this week – that's enough for me to think about."