Preview: World champ Burns cautious

When asked if he could become the first British driver to win the classic rally in over 30 years, the Englishman said: "I'm not so sure about that. It's quite hard to win here. We've had good times here over the past three years but not good luck. I've had a lot to learn - a new car and new tyres. So I shall go about it quietly. We've already tested in Sweden. If the car suits fast events well, it will suit slow twisty ones too."

But Tommi Makinen, who has swapped to Burns' old Subaru outfit, reckons a debut win with his new team could be on. The Finn has won the Monte for the past three years and if he wins again this weekend, he will jump ahead of Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae as the driver with the most WRC victories in history. The trio are all on 23 at the moment.

"It's a new team for me, and a new car as well," said Makinen. "But importantly, I'm going to be starting on one of my favourite rallies of the year, so I'm very excited about the event and am very motivated ahead of the start.

"After the first Tarmac test, the feeling in the Subaru was very good, so I think I have prepared as well as possible. As far as strategy goes, I hope to be fast enough to keep a good position and then we'll just have to see."

The first stage kicks off tomorrow (Friday) at 9.08am (GMT).