Lapworth: Subaru can win titles

Subaru finished in fourth in last year's manufacturers standings, but Lapworth believes that the new model, to be officially launched prior to next weekend's Rally Monte Carlo, will be a match for the Ford's new Focus and Kronos' privateer Citroen Xsara.

Lapworth admitted that the team's goal this season will be to help Petter Solberg to his second world title above all else, and that the Norwegian will be told to drive strategically if he has to.

"Petter certainly has a shot at winning every rally, but our eye will always be on the championship," Lapworth said.

"We start each event looking to win, but we won't sacrifice points at the expense of the title. If a win is on the cards in Monte Carlo, we will go for it, but if the weather doesn't suit us we'll strategically go for points - this isn't a case of Monte Carlo or bust.

"This year will be a big shake-up for everyone and who'll be fastest will be one of the biggest questions of the rally. The drivers' championship itself won't be affected.

"There are still the top three drivers, [Sebastien] Loeb, [Marcus] Gronholm and Solberg, all with very good teams and the battle for the championship will be as hot as ever. With the same faces and names it will be business as usual. Our goal is to win that drivers' championship with Petter."

The team goes into Monte Carlo with a three-car effort with former champion Solberg being joined by Stephane Sarrazin and Chris Atkinson.