McRae hopeful of Acropolis victory

The 1995 world champion has won the rally a total of five times, and quite understandably, is a big fan of the rough gravel stages on which the action takes place.

"It's an event I like and it's fun to do," said McRae. "You have to gauge the ideal pace and that is an interesting exercise. These past three years I think I have found the knack, but I have also had a little luck. I like this rally and it has been good to me.

"The Xsara has shown that it is quick on all types of surface, and that it is both strong and reliable. On paper, I believe we have a good chance of winning. It's up to us to perform on the day."

McRae will face a strong challenge from within the Citroen camp, as team-mate Sebastien Loeb is looking for strong results in Greece.

"As in New Zealand and Argentina, my objective in Greece will be to set times on a par with those of my team-mates," said Loeb. "Given their Acropolis record, if I succeed in doing that, then I shouldn't be very far off the lead. The main thing is I am very motivated.