Solberg: less worrying means more finishing

The Norwegian has concentrated on going the distance in recent events, but believes this is distracting him from driving naturally.

In Catalunya, he left the road and was unable to rejoin after sliding wide on gravel on the third special stage.

"I started this event with the aim of finishing," he said. "There was a corner which everybody had cut, but there was no indication to cut in my notes. So in order to play safe, I didn't cut the corner, but unfortunately I slid wide and went off on the gravel. I'm very upset that it happened, because I was trying to be safe."

"I think I'm worrying too much about getting to the end," he added. "Before Argentina I'll think about it, and I hope we can get a good result there."

Subaru team principal David Lapworth has given the youngster a vote of confidence, saying: "I think Petter's right. The fact that he crashed here [in Catalunya] was nothing to do with recklessness: it was because he was concentrating hard on getting to the end."

Solberg's Subaru team mate looks likely to miss more rallies in addition to Argentina in May. The Estonian is likely to skip Kenya and Cyprus as well, and may skip 'fly-away' rounds later in the season.

Although seen as a long-term prospect by the team, a squeeze on Martin's programme is believed to be due to a lack of sponsorship to cover a full programme. However, one extra event Martin will contest is the EOS Subaru Challenge in Estonia on August 3-4. He will use the squad's Rally Finland test car for his homeland outing.