Greensmith taking positives from Friday times

This week will be Greensmith’s fourth start on the Italian island.

“It’s a very quick turnaround between Portugal and Sardinia,” he said, “so it’s a nice feeling to get back on the road and get out to Sardinia. This week is a very similar rally to Portugal, probably more on the rougher side and we’re expecting temperatures to be very high.

“It should be good, the cars are set up very well I think. We’re not doing a test, but it’s not the most critical of the year. I’m really looking forward to it, hoping to make the most of a good weekend and get a good result.”

• Full coverage from Rally Italia Sardegna is available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.

The Briton had high hopes for his performance at round four, but a puncture and tyre choice put paid to his hopes of a podium. Despite that, Greensmith remains upbeat ahead of this week’s Alghero-based event.

“To be in a position and genuinely battling for a podium position on Friday morning is a positive for me,” said the Puma Rally1 Hybrid driver. “I’ve been in a position to fight for those stage times before, but to do it on a Friday morning when everybody is still there and pushing is something good for me. It’s something I can take to Sardinia.”