SEAT looks for good result in Finland

The car has been extremely impressive in testing, and could be an outside bet for victory.

Finn Toni Gardemeister took the old car to third place in New Zealand a month ago, his first event for the WRC team.

He believes that the new car is a major improvement, and has high hopes for his home event.

'In New Zealand we drove very carefully all the time and didn't take any risks, and for sure in Finland we will drive flat-out!' he said.

'The E2 is quite different to the SEAT I drove in New Zealand. It is much better in twisty sections, but not so different in the faster sections.

'It's very nice and easy to drive. In a two-day test I drove the E2 for 400 kilometres without a problem, so not only is it fast it's reliable too.

'I will be happy to finish in the top six and score some points for SEAT, but another podium finish would be better.'

His team-mate Harri Rovanpera was overshadowed by Gardemeister in New Zealand and needs a good result at home.

However, he also has a lot of faith in the E2 and is confident of a good result.

He said, 'The old Cordoba WRC was easy to drive, but we never had much luck with it and I see the E2 as the start of my new life! The car has a lot of potential.

'The podium is a very nice place, and this is what we are aiming for.'