The best
things
come to
those
who wait

Solberg covered 250 kilometres during the asphalt session and reckons he’s got what it takes to fight for top spot, even if that means risking a top-three finish in the final drivers’ table.

“I really enjoyed the work we did and it’s given me extra confidence for the rally,” said works Ford ace Solberg, who is currently 13 points adrift of third place in the overall standings. “My target is clear - to go there and try to win. That’s more important to me than chasing a medal for finishing third in the championship. If I take third in the points, then that’s a bonus, but a gold medal for winning the rally would mean more than a bronze in the championship.”

Solberg, from Norway, reckons the battle for victory in Spain, which begins with the Qualifying Stage this Thursday morning, will be more intense than normal with several drivers vying to round out the season with a win.

“It’s the final round and both titles are decided, so there will be a lot of people with nothing to lose who will be pushing hard,” said the 2003 world champion. “It’s a great rally and the asphalt is fast and smooth. It’s the closest the WRC comes to competing on a race circuit.”

Ford-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, currently nine points ahead of Solberg in the championship classification, also tested last week. The Finn, who covered 200 kilometres, experienced both wet and dry conditions, which could be a factor on this week’s rally, which takes place one month later than normal.