McRae gets used to finger trouble

The flying Ford driver had threatened to chop off the troublesome digit if it proved awkward to drive his Focus WRC, but Grist said that after shakedown McRae felt it wasn't as bad as he first anticipated.

"Literally, just after shakedown Colin said it was much easier than he thought it was going to be," said Grist. "After the first run, he said it wasn't going to be as much of a problem. Don't get me wrong, this is not going to be easy for him. He said he's going to have to keep it neat and tidy. He's going to drive a lot cleaner."

The event gets underway on Friday morning, but Grist said that part of Leg One's highlights, the 48 km Escaladei test, won't be as difficult as first anticipated. That is because the condition of the asphalt has changed since last year.

"They have reversed one stage and we've got about 35km of new notes," explained the Welshman. "In the long stage on the first day it was a very abrasive tarmac but they have resurfaced 20km of it. They have taken some of the corners out and it's much smoother so I don't think tyres will be such an issue. The weather I'm told is going to be absolutely gorgeous, which is a pity because we would have wanted more rain."