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Mikkelsen feels he has proved himself

Norwegian driver Andreas Mikkelsen feels his early fourth place overall in the Rally Poland has proved his speed and ability and he will now aim for a finish in his privateer Skoda Fabia WRC

On the first four stages on the eighth round of the World Rally Championship, Mikkelsen has posted two fourth and two sixth fastest times - despite never having competed in a Fabia before.

"It's been a good morning," said the 20-year-old. "We haven't had any problems. I feel there is more to come from the car - and more from me: I'm braking a bit early for some of the hairpins, this is what happens when you come from a Group N car to a World Rally Car.

"I do feel I have proved something with what I have done this morning, all of the drivers were in the field and we were definitely not in the best place on the road, but we were still in fourth place."

Mikkelsen added that holding former world champion Petter Solberg off would be tough through the afternoon.

"This Skoda's not so good in the ruts, it's very nervous," he said. "I don't know what we can do in the second run of the stages. All we can do is push harder in the morning. I know I'm driving with a little bit left to come, so I think I can make the finish in a good position.

"When I'm sitting in fourth place, it would be nice to think about pushing for the podium, but that's very tough with a long way to go on the event. I came here wanting to take some points and that's still my aim."

Mikkelsen added that he has now scrubbed his entry for next month's Rally Finland due to a lack of budget. Instead, he will focus his attentions on the Subaru Cup in Norway.

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