2003 is my year says Solberg

"I think it is going to be the toughest championship ever," said Solberg. "There are six or seven drivers who could win it. I'm going to be one of them trying, certainly, and will be going flat out."

Solberg scored his breakthrough victory in last year's season finale and is keen to keep the momentum up in this weekend's Monte Carlo Rally. "I want this to be my year in the championship," said Solberg. "I am very confident after the end of last season and so will try hard to continue my form. In Monte Carlo I think it is very important to score points to get a solid start to the season so I will be trying to get on the podium for sure.

"Over the winter I have been training a lot to get ready for the season," he continued. "All of the teams and cars are so good now that you really have to push hard to win. We have to be strong in every area to ensure that we are the ones at the top and I think fitness will be a key factor in winning this year."

Solberg spent this morning continuing to acclimatise to his new Impreza WRC 2003 during shakedown and the Norwegian believes it is a step forward. "The new car feels very good," he said. "There are a few more things to come. The team is very confident about the season but we have to be flat out to beat Peugeot."