Burns: Subaru will be even stronger

The British driver and team-mate Juha Kankkunen dominated the Safari Rally finishing first and second.

The team is due to unveil a new car in time for round four of the championship - currently being led by Mitsubishi's Tommi Makinen.

Speaking to Reuters news agency, Burns said: "The Subaru is stronger this year and I know it will take whatever I throw at it.

"Both Juha and I had no punctures or any other major problems while everybody else dropped like flies.

"It will make a difference in the championship as I know I have a car capable of competing in the most extreme of conditions.

"I've spent two weeks testing the new car and I will also spend this week driving the new Subaru in Portugal-style conditions.

"We are not even sure ourselves whether the team will be able to, or choose to, use the car at the next event but it's looking good in testing."

The improved car passed the first stage of the official homologation process when an inspection team from the FIA examined all the new parts.

The car will be further tested early next month before FIA decides whether to give Subaru the go-ahead to run it at the gravel-based Rally of Portugal.

The event will take place between March 16 and 19.