McRae: I can win in Monte Carlo

The Scottish star has driven his new car in Wales and Cyprus, and believes that he will form a comfortable and successful partnership with Citroen.

Speaking to The Times McRae said: "I am sure I can win with [the Xsara], and why not the Monte? It is one of the reallies that the car already has a realistic chance of winning on. My record on the rally is not so good but this car has huge potential."

Describing the Xsara, which missed out on a Monte Carlo victory last year after Sebastien Loeb was handed a penalty, McRae said: "The car is particularly good on fast sections and under braking. The feel of the car is more positive than I have been used to recently but some work is needed on slower sections."

McRae had been warned by fellow British driver Richard Burns that he may have trouble adjusting to the intricacies of a French team, but so far McRae has not experienced any problems. "I don't really speak any French, but then again some people would argue that my English is not too good either," he said. "But I feel comfortable with the team and I think it will be a successful partnership. I will be very disappointed it, come the new season, we are not on the pace."