Solberg: asphalt experience helpful

The Subaru driver's hopes of a good result were dashed on the opening day when he put himself out of contention with an accident.

He was able to return to the event, however, under the Superrally regulations - which allow the driver to resume the rally at the beginning of the next leg, but with a 5-minute penalty for each stage missed - and used the time to help improve his car's set-up on asphalt.

"We've been fine-tuning the setup on dampers and diff settings, and I think that being able to run these last two days and spend time testing the car in rally conditions, will be very useful for the event here next March," said Solberg, who set a best stage time on the final day.

"Of course it was disappointing not to be fighting for a podium after the accident on Friday, but that's how it is sometimes. At least we've got two manufacturer points and a lot of useful data to take away.

"In Australia, you will see a big fight as it is always very close and I can't wait to get down there and into it!"

Team principal David Lapworth added: "Petter's focus has been on his set-up and I'm pleased that we have also made some good progress. His stage win today was an added bonus and a just result of his hard work.

"We still have to be happy that we can now go to the final round with Petter in a straight fight for second in the drivers' championship and third in the manufacturers' championship is not an unreasonable target."