Sainz: Makes' title my priority

The Spaniard has an outside chance of taking the drivers' title, however the two-time world champ would need to win the event in Wales and hope rivals Tommi Makinen and Richard Burns, and team mate Colin McRae, all fail to score.

Sainz admits his chances of taking the drivers' title are slim and so is concentrating on ensuring Ford pips Peugeot to the manufacturers' crown.

"My chances of winning are quite remote," conceded Sainz. "But while there is still a chance I must be ready to take it should it arise. My main targets are to help the team to the manufacturers' title and give every help to Colin."

Ford lies four points behind Peugeot in the battle for the makes' title, with defending world champion Marcus Gronholm and Finnish compatriot Harri Rovanpera nominated to score points for the French team. Sainz is under no illusions just how difficult the task ahead will be.

"The Welsh stages are quite slippery in parts and normally quite difficult," he explained. "It's easy to make a mistake and the unpredictable weather always adds an extra element of difficulty to the rally."