Ford fears the Turkish heat

Last year's rally was in early March when the region was emerging from severe winter storms that devastated the mountain roads. Conditions will be totally different this year when the event will be in the height of summer with temperatures in the coastal resort and rally base of Kemer currently at 35°C.

"I have always thought that going to Turkey at the end of June would be the hottest rally of the year," said Ford technical director Christian Loriaux. "Although the Cyprus Rally was hot, the Acropolis Rally in Greece was cooler than usual and I believe the Rally of Turkey will beat both. Cars have to negotiate some nasty uphill climbs and in hot temperatures they put great strain on cars but we're prepared for that."

Although drivers have experience of the Turkish route, driver Markko Martin admits he'll prepare for the event just as he would a new venue because the characteristics will be completely different now that the rally is running three months later.

"I'm approaching the event as I would do for a new rally," he said. "Conditions last year were wet and muddy with snow patches in some places. They were nothing like we can expect this year so it's like preparing for an unknown rally. There won't be such a big difference to the pace notes but the areas that are going to change totally are the set-up I'll use on the car and the importance of cooling.

"Like the other two hot gravel rallies, the start order on the opening day is important because there will be loose gravel on the surface which is a big handicap for the first cars," he added. "I'll start third which gives me an advantage over the two drivers ahead of me in the order and the championship. But I don't think we'll know what the best start position could be until we see the roads on the recce."

Team-mate Francois Duval created history in Turkey last year when, at just 22 years old, he finished third and became the youngest driver to claim a podium position in the history of the championship.

"It was a difficult rally because it was my first time together with Stephane but the result was fantastic. This year should be easier in some ways, but just as difficult in others because it will be very hot and tough for both drivers and cars," he said.