Carlsson hoping for repeat of '06

The Swedish driver finished third in his home event last year driving a Mitsubishi, and he is looking forward to tackling the rally in a Citroen Xsara for Kronos Racing this year.

"I definitely plan to fight for a podium place in front of my fans in Sweden," said Carlsson. "It is clearly an advantage that I will start the season at my home rally."

Carlsson admitted that he could be in even better shape for a good result in Rally Norway though, as he has not had much time in the Xsara yet.

"I didn't get too many opportunities to test the new car," he said, "but I am sure that we will get along with the Xsara very well.

"However, I am convinced that we will be even stronger barely two weeks from now in Norway."

Team boss Marc van Dalen believes that the Kronos outfit are in much better shape for the Swedish event than they were for the season-opener in Monte Carlo.

"We didn't have much time for preparation prior to Monte Carlo," he said. "This time round we are perfectly prepared and very confident for Sweden.

"Daniel has already proven that he can reach the podium in Sweden, and it will be important that we gather points for the manufacturers' championship."

This weekend's rally is the first of six that Carlsson will compete in for Kronos during the 2007 season.