Rivals say SS4 key to beating Loeb

The pair are currently third and fourth respectively, but hoping to make inroads into Sebastien Loeb's advantage on the largely gravel 22-mile Terra Alta test.

"It's a little bit the last chance to get time from Loeb," said Latvala. "We have to make sure everything is working perfectly in there.

"I hope it's better than my first run through this morning: I stalled at the start and dropped about four seconds. Sebastien has gone well this morning, but we need to do something now. Once tomorrow comes, it will be tough."

Over the weekend, the Salou-based event reverts back to its traditional all-asphalt stages.

Solberg added: "We didn't have the chance to test in the conditions we had on the first stage this morning and the car was too stiff. Now we know what's coming second time through that stage - we are going to push like hell."