Solberg: I can beat Burns.

Subaru World Rally team driver Petter Solberg heads to the Rallye Sanremo this weekend on a mission - namely to close the gap on Richard Burns at the top of the drivers' championship.

The Norwegian, who won the last round at the start of September in Australia, currently lies joint second overall in the drivers' championship seven points behind Burns, who will become 'Hollywood's' team-mate in 2004, replacing the retiring Tommi Makinen.

"I'm feeling so, so good after my victory in Australia," noted Solberg, "We're getting closer and closer to the top of the Championship now and it feels good, you know, good fun. The WRC is a tough competition, but I'm always trying hard on the stages, and doing my best to try to win as many events as possible - I think it's paying off.

"October's going to be a challenging month with the next three asphalt rallies coming up, but I'm feeling positive and will be working hard to finish all the events on the podium. I beat Richard in Sanremo last year and will be looking to do the same again.

"I really enjoy Sanremo, and I'm looking forward to getting there again this time as it's always an exciting event. Tyre choice can be tricky due to the changing weather in the mountains, especially as it's always different to the conditions in the service park but, for me, that just adds to the challenge."