Burns: Scandinavians can be beaten

A non Scandinavian driver has never won the Swedish round of the World Championship and Burns, who finished eighth in Monte Carlo on his Peugeot debut will be under pressure from his new team mates at the event next weekend. Harri Rovanpera won the event last year on his Peugeot 206 debut with Marcus Gronholm winning in 2000, the year the Finn won the world championship.

"Along with New Zealand and Finland, Sweden is one of my three favourite rallies," said Burns. "I know it's a big challenge, but I sincerely believe that along with the likes of Colin [McRae], I am one of the drivers capable of one day beating the Scandinavians on their home ground."

Burns has admitted it was difficult getting to grips with the Peugeot in Monte Carlo. "It hasn't been comfortable as the relationship between the seat, the pedals and the steering wheel is all wrong", he said. "The next problem is the way the car handles the bumps, and finally we need to sort out the way the car transmits feeling back to the driver."

However he acknowledged the event had "not been a disaster" and said that he had put the result behind him. "I must say I learnt a great deal on the Monte where both the car and team were new to me. From now on, I hope to be more competitive."