Four in a row for Makinen?

to South America looking for more success.
Having seen Didier Auriol close to within one point of him at the head of
the championship table, Makinen knows he has to regain his early season form
in Argentina.

The Finn took dominant victories in both Monte Carlo and Sweden, prompting
some to suggest he could win every round of this year's WRC.

Since then, Makinen's luck has run out and he now finds himself under
pressure from the consistent Toyota's of Auriol and Carlos Sainz, not to
mention the determined Colin McRae in the rapid new Ford Focus.

Makinen and Mitsubishi have won the Rally Argentina every time they have
contested it, but the Finn isn't sure why he is so successful in South
America.

'I don't know why Argentina is so good for us, but it always seems to be
excellent.

'It is like a mixture of Portugal and the Acropolis, with some twisty and
narrow and rocky stages, and some faster ones. Tyre wear is not too bad, so
you can attack,' he said.

Makinen's team mate Freddy Loix is less confident about his chances. The
Belgian has never contested this rally before, and is still recovering from
neck and back injuries sustained on the Safari Rally.

'I don't know what to expect, because I have never even seen the rally, so I
won't predict a result.

'Finishing is the best way to learn the route and if I can also score some
points for Mitsubishi I will be very happy,' Loix said.