Record books await Makinen

The championship leader could become the first driver to win a round of the World Rally Championship six years running.

Victory for him would also give his Mitsubishi team its 30th WRC victory.

To drive in his home event is important for Makinen, and the Finn, who has already won three of this year's rallies, has high hopes.

'Of course I always drive to win, but this is a very special rally for me.

'It is always nice to be driving at home, and I hope to make it six wins in a row,' Makinen said.

Makinen will be driving a Lancer Evolution while his team-mate Freddy Loix is in a Carisma GT.

Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart team manager Phil Short is confident for both the drivers in this weekend's event.

'Tommi is of course the favourite for the rally on past form and Freddy ought to be in the frame.

'He has been to Finland before and he knows what the rally is about,' he said.

The Finland Rally is the fastest World Championship event in Europe, and has enormous jumps that send cars airborne for metres at a time.

The race begins on Friday, with the final stage on Sunday being televised live.