Gronholm bullish over 307

Gronholm has scored points in both rounds so far this year, but is seven points adrift of leader Sebastien Loeb of Citroen.

"I finished the first two rallies of the year in fourth and second place but perhaps I could have come away with better," said Gronholm. "The season has only just begun though, and the recent testing I did, which focused on the set-up of the car and the differential, was very positive. I think we have found a good set-up that should make the car more competitive for its first outing on the loose."

Peugeot team chief Corrado Provera said: "We are certain the 307 WRC can win, but do not want to be over confident since the car is only at the beginning of its career. Evolutions are scheduled for New Zealand."

For Mexico, Harri Rovanpera joins the squad in place of the sidelined Freddy Loix. Rovanpera won this event in a 206 two years ago, when the rally was non-WRC status.

"I was impressed by the high standard of the work put in by the organisers despite the fact that they had no previous experience of world rallying," said Rovanpera. "The event went very well and the atmosphere was very pleasant even though there weren't many spectators.

"The stages are beautiful and challenging. Some are fast, others are twistier, while the surface is quite smooth although fairly slippery with lots of sand and dust. Personally, I am delighted to be back with Peugeot after a rather long winter break. I recently did some testing in Sardinia where I was given a very warm welcome by the team."

Rally Mexico starts on Friday.