Round-up: New Pug likes the rough, says Gronholm

Cyprus, plus the Acropolis and Safari rallies immediately afterwards are the three roughest events on the WRC calendar. Gronholm retired on all three last year as a result of mechanical failures, but expects better things this season.

"I've not tried the new car yet," he said, "but I don't expect it to be very different. There are some changes to the turbo, but I know the cooling has been improved. That will make a difference on the very rough, hot events, so I think it is there that you will notice the biggest change."

Gronholm failed to score points on the opening two rounds of this year's championship, but says he is still confident of fighting for a second consecutive title.

"Because we have had a bad start to the season, it is important to try and score points everywhere," he said.

Former works Ford and Subaru works driver Simon Jean-Joseph will drive a privateer Peugeot 206 WRC in Catalunya, Cyprus, Acropolis, Corsica and Sanremo. The Martinique-born driver will be run by the Belgian Kronos squad, with backing from Gauloises cigarettes. "The objective is to re-establish myself," he said.

Citroen prepared for its WRC debut on next month's Catalunya Rally with victory in the latest round of the Spanish championship. Jesus Puras won all nine stages, finishing nearly three minutes ahead of the SEAT Cordoba of Salvador Canellas.