Loeb targets Swedish win

The event, the only snow-based round currently on the WRC calendar, has never been won by a driver from anywhere other than Sweden or Finland. However, Frenchman Loeb is hopeful of ending that streak given the competitiveness of the championship-winning Xsara WRC.

"If you compare the step between the 2003 and 2004 Monte Carlo Xsara on the one hand, and the car I drove in Sweden last year and this year's car, there is a bigger difference in the latter case," said Loeb. "In testing, I had a good feeling with the car and I am really confident in its potential. All that remains to be seen now is how we compare performance-wise with our rivals, and I must say I'm really looking forward to finding out."

One disadvantage that Loeb will face is that, because of his Monte win, he will run first on the road on Friday, which could be a particular disadvantage if fresh snow falls during the event. Loeb reckoned that a similar situation on last year's event led to him crashing.

"When the conditions were not unfavourable to us, we were on the pace," he said. "So given that the Xsara has incontestably progressed, I hope I will be involved in the fight for first place. If I am, anything is possible..."

Citroen team boss Guy Frequelin added: "The Xsara has progressed on all fronts over the past year. It's improved in all areas, so it must be better on snow. Can we win? I believe we can. We've already produced a few surprises in the past!"