German crash to slow Solberg in Japan?

Subaru team leader Petter Solberg has admitted that he will need to build up his confidence again in Japan this weekend, following his spectacular crash on the Rallye Deutschland, which trashed his Impreza WRC.

Speaking in the build-up to the event, the Norweigan revealed that caution would be the key at the start, especially as he has retired on the last three successive events.

"Even a week or so after the accident in Germany it still feels incredible to have come through without a scratch," he commented.

"I know why the accident happened, and this is a different event, but my feeling ahead of this rally is that I'm not going to be pushing like crazy straight away.

"It's a new event, and I think it will suit the car and my driving style, but to begin with I'll be focusing on building the speed smoothly and building up my confidence too."

As for the fact this is Subaru's first ever 'home event' in the WRC, this merely increases its significance.

"To be representing Subaru in Japan makes it an especially important rally for our team," he concluded. "Phil [Mills - my co-driver] and I are going to be doing everything we can to get the best result in front of the home fans."

STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS

Learn to drive a rally car and get a high speed passenger ride in a Fiat Stilo rally car.

Fiat Auto UK wants to know who you would like as your ideal co-driver for Wales Rally GB, choosing from the likes of Abi Titmuss and Albert Einstein. Just answer a simply survey and you could be out in action.

Click here to get taken straight to the survey and competition entry