Gronholm: 'I have to start winning'

Subaru team-leader Burns has stated that only wins on the next three rallies will give him a chance of overhauling current series leader Tommi Makinen, and Peugeot ace Gronholm - who has just one point more than the Briton - knows that he faces an uphill struggle.

"I've only got one point over Richard so the situation isn't much different for me," said Gronholm. "It's not as if I can settle for second places instead! It doesn't look too good at the moment, of course, but if we can find reliability and a little more speed then I'm confident we can build a challenge."

Gronholm's boost could come on the next rally, when Peugeot is scheduled to introduce an evolution of its 206 WRC. Gronholm said: "The new car feels better in testing. Of course it's only small differences but there seems to be a bit more low-down torque and the strength is improved as well. If we can get a good result in Argentina then I'd be hopeful of a strong mid-season. That could make the difference."

Peugeot is practically committed to running the evolution 206 in Cyprus, with only parts supply worries hanging over the plan. Team principal Corrado Provera said: "We're urging our suppliers to come up with the required parts in time. We know there are too many improvements in this car for us not to use it in Cyprus. In a way, it might be a bit of a risk but we want it."