Drivers face unique Jordan challenge

The loose surface will be different to that experienced in any other rally because hard-base, sand roads lie under the top surface with grip changing dramatically off line.

The event is also based at the lowest point on earth, Amman, which is over 400 metres below sea level.

Citroen's Dani Sordo and Subaru's Petter Solberg were two of the drivers to recce the event last year and are hoping to put the knowledge they gained to good use next weekend.

"I've rarely turned up for a WRC round with more experience of the event than most of my rivals," said Sordo. "The stages are fast and wide, with a surface that's as hard as concrete.

"We will have to watch out for the top coating of loose gravel which will produce changes in grip. It will be unwise to stray off the ideal line, and there are deep ditches if you go off."

Solberg added: "I was very happy to have the chance to look at the roads last year. It will be a new event for everyone so we're doing all we can with the notes from the recce to prepare as best we can.

"If the recce gives us a slight advantage then it was worth it. The unseen roads are quite tricky and there are lots of crests. The roads are quite wide but it's difficult to read the road surface and know how much to push."

Citroen Sport technical manager Xavier Mestelan-Pinon admits the event has been difficult to prepare for.

"There are always unknowns whenever you contest a rally for the first time," he said. "Testing isn't permitted in Jordan so we could only prepare using the information at hand.

"The gravel stages are essentially smooth and wide. We can expect high temperatures and possibly sand storms. We've come up with a basic set-up which we will fine tune after the recce."