Drivers delighted with Norway stages

Heavy snowfall in the last week has left two-metre snowbanks along much of the route for the second round of the WRC, which starts from Hamar this evening.

Recent WRC snow rallies, particularly the Swedish event that Norway replaces for 2009, have suffered from a lack of snow.

Local hero Henning Solberg said: "They're absolutely perfect (conditions). I don't think I have seen winter roads like this before. These are the best conditions I have seen since I've been driving. I can't wait to get out there and start."

Finland's Jari-Matti Latvala grew up driving on snow and ice, and says there's nothing like the feeling of competing in these conditions.

"Snow is the best surface for me," said Latvala. "When I was still a young kid, I drove on the frozen lakes. That's where we all started driving. I think that's why I have a good feeling for this surface. It's nice to be here in Norway and the conditions are perfect."

Temperatures plunged as low as minus 30 during the recce earlier in the week. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise towards minus 10 as the event progresses and no further snowfall is expected before the finish on Sunday.