Makinen completes Finland test

The Finn, who makes his Subaru debut on the Monte Carlo Rally on January 18-20, completed 570km in snowy conditions alongside his regular gravel noter Pasi Hagstrom and substitute co-driver Kaj Lindstrom.

Makinen almost took part in a local rally in a course car capacity until the team's sporting director George Donaldson realised that it might use stages from Rally Finland.

"When we realised that may have been in conflict with some of the Finland rally stages we moved and did a whole day's tyre testing in ideal conditions instead," said Donaldson. "All our engineers are very excited about the developments Tommi is making to the car. It was a very positive test, but at the same time a bit of a voyage of discovery for Tommi.

"The depth of experience that he brings to the team is incredible, his status as a four-time World Champion is being backed up by his actions and the methodical and positive way he approached the test," he added.

Makinen said: "The test was very good. We had perfect conditions and were able to get three full days of work in. It's a good feeling in the car, it was working very well and there were no dramas. I think we found some new ideas during the test and we've got lots of information about the way the car behaves in the snow and I learned a bit more about it.

"The Subaru feels very good to drive in these conditions, it has a different balance to the Mitsubishi, and the way the differentials work feels different too, they're very progressive on the Subaru, which makes it quite easy to drive. The Pirelli tyres are also new to me but I had a good feeling straight away on the snow."