Panizzi sets Swedish sights low

The 38-year-old Frenchman, who finished sixth on the Monte Carlo Rally, has only previously contested the snowy event once, back in 2002. The event will only be the Lancer WRC04's second event, and there has been no time for development since the Monte two weeks ago.

"For me, I have less experience in this rally because I have only done it one time," said Panizzi. "Sweden is too close for any further development and it's difficult for the engineers to improve the car or to adapt to different solutions for this event. I think if we can finish the Monte, we can finish the Swedish Rally though.

"Mexico will probably see the beginning of the advancements in the car. We have more time, one month, and two big gravel tests before then; that's important for us and we need that time."

Panizzi will be partnered in Sweden by Kristian Sohlberg, who finished 12th overall in the team's WRC2 car in 2003.

"I'm looking forward to the rally as you might say it's my first event as a real works driver," said Sohlberg. "We are still lacking time with testing but we were all very pleased to see Gilles get the car to the finish in Monte Carlo and claim points. This is good for everyone and helps the engineers gain more data for the on-going development work."