Pons plans conservative approach

The former Kronos Citroen driver has signed to drive a third Subaru for the next two and a half seasons, starting with the remaining eight events on this year's schedule.

"During the rest of this year it will be very important for me to learn about the car and the team, so that I can prepare well for the 2008 season," Pons told the official World Rally Championship website.

"Obviously if I feel confident on some of the rallies that I know well, I'll try to achieve a good result, but I won't be taking any silly risks.

"I have to complete as many kilometres as possible in order to learn for next year."

Pons says he will be under no pressure in his debut rally for Subaru, August's Rally Finland.

"Finland is the perfect rally to start with the team," he said.

"Like I said, I need to learn about the characteristics of the car and get confidence.

"Nobody expects a Spanish guy to get a good result in Finland, so I will be able to focus on driving and learning. Imagine starting in New Zealand, Corsica or Catalunya - that would be real pressure!"

He will drive the Impreza for the first time in July, alongside his new teammates Petter Solberg and Chris Atkinson.

"The team has some tests planned during the mid-season break and, where the tests have already been planned for Petter and Chris to drive, I'll do some driving to learn the car and start my relationship with the team," Pons said.