McRae pleased with Xsara test

The Scot drove for Citroen in 2003 but had to reacquaint himself with the car, which has been developed extensively since then.

"I'm quite surprised that the 2006 version doesn't seem to be very different from the one I was competing with in 2003," said McRae.

"The test was important to know how to play with those passive differentials and everybody has tried his best to make me feel as comfortable as possible before Turkey."

The test session was initially planned only for the new Citroen C4 WRC but the team took a Xsara along to allow McRae some time behind the wheel.

McRae also believes that a good starting position should allow him to be right on the pace in Turkey.

"I could take advantage of starting around the 15th position on the first day," he said. "If I was starting with Marcus (Gronholm) I think it would be harder.

"That's exactly what happened in Australia, I found clean roads on the first leg and built up my confidence. Then I could match the front runners the next day."

Kronos team boss Marc van Dalen elaborated on how the decision was taken to select McRae to replace Sebastien Loeb after the Frenchman broke his arm.

"With his knowledge of the car and his experience, Colin is the one able to perform in such a short period of time, and he is extremely motivated for this situation which he considers a personal challenge," he said.

"We will ask him to put the maximum pressure on Marcus Gronholm, as well as thinking of the manufacturer's points for which we are still fighting."