Martin upbeat over new Focus

The Estonian, along with his team-mate Francois Duval, gave the new WRC04 a comprehensive shake-down on gravel stages near Ponte de Lima, previously used on the old Rally Portugal event. The car incorporated a number of developments over the already proven WRC03, including a new front bumper and 2004-specification Cosworth engine. It will make its competitive debut on Rally New Zealand on April 15.

"We completed quite a lot of development work, which went well," Martin said. "We learned some things, which is the aim of any test programme, and I was pleased with the way it went."

Martin has also dismissed any fears about the pace of the new Subaru Impreza WRC2004, which blitzed the field in Rally Mexico with nine stage wins out of 15. The new Focus WRC04 and updated Citroen Xsara will go head-to-head with the new Subaru for the first time on Rally New Zealand.

"At the moment, I'm not worried about what Petter did in Mexico," he told Autosport. "There are lots of unknowns about Mexico, like the altitude and tyres he was on. But, if he sets nine fastest times in New Zealand, then maybe I'll be a bit more worried."