Solberg: I need more power!

'We will need more power to push as hard as we want', that's was Petter Solberg's frank assessment following his pre-event test with his Citroen Xsara WRC for Rally Poland.

Solberg enjoyed a strong showing on the Acropolis two weeks ago, setting seven top-five stage times and was battling with Mikko Hirvonen for the victory until he clobbered a rock in the penultimate stage on day two.

However, this time, 'Hollywood' isn't expecting to fair so well and following a day testing on Monday with his Citroen Xsara WRC, he believes he is going to struggle to match the manufacturer backed entries.

"This is going to be an exciting event," he said in the countdown to the eighth round in the 2009 World Rally Championship.

"[But] Poland is very fast and I think we need more power to be able to push as hard as we want."

It is not all bad though for the Norwegian and with Poland being new to the championship, the recce will have extra significance.

Indeed good pace-notes will be crucial - and that might give the 2003 world champion and his co-driver, Phil Mills an opening to exploit.

"We drive through the stages only twice before the rally starts, and it is important to be accurate.

"If you want to fight for podium, you have to have it perfect," added the ex-Subaru World Rally Team man.