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Subaru's Petter Solberg has warned against raised expectations ahead of next weekend's Rally Argentina, following teammate Chris Atkinson's strong showing in Rally Mexico.

The Australian finished second in the event, Subaru's best result since 2006, and was genuinely competitive over the course of the event.

But Solberg, who retired from Rally Mexico, told Autosport that the high altitude stages of that event had helped the Subaru Impreza's performance.

"When the engine is not giving so much power, it covers up the handling deficiencies which come from the lack of traction," he said. "Our engine works much better at altitude, which makes a difference."

Argentina will also feature high altitude stages on day three, but with the event spanning the one of the most diverse range of road conditions and environments, this is unlikely to play into the hands of SWRT.

Nevertheless Solberg remains optimistic that he can help the team build on Atkinson's Mexico result.

"The rally is very narrow and fast, and it's very good!" he said. "The team have worked very hard since Mexico, I'm feeling very positive and I think everyone is feeling more confident for Argentina.

"We'll go there and judge our pace but I think we can fight at the top. We’ll get the feel of the car from shakedown and then we’ll take it step by step and push from there. I’ll push hard, and then push a little more. That’s my approach."

Atkinson meanwhile admits that he expects Argentina to be a tough prospect for him.

"Argentina is probably one of the most difficult rallies for me," he said. "It seems to be a rally you need quite a bit of experience at, and that suits those who’ve been here for a long time. You recall Sainz and other greats winning this rally and making their careers because of it, and it’s a rally I’ve still to come to grips with speed-wise overall.

"I think we could be even more susceptible to punctures here than in Mexico so that will be an important factor."

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