Solberg vows to go steady

But the Subaru ace still insists that he will do his best to get a top result for the team on home soil while team boss David Lapworth also predicts a solid result.

"Even a week after the accident in Germany it still feels incredible to have come through without a scratch," Solberg said. "I know why the accident happened, and this is a different event, but my feeling ahead of this rally is that I'm not going to be pushing like crazy straight away.

"It's a new event, and I think it will suit the car and my driving style, but to begin with I'll be focusing on building the speed smoothly and building up my confidence too. To be representing Subaru in Japan makes it an especially important rally for our team and Phil and I are going to be doing everything we can to get the best result in front of the home fans."

Lapworth added: "In the Drivers' Championship, Petter's strategy is now simple - to go out and win as many events as possible. The nature of the Japanese stages should suit him and judging by his recent gravel performance, we have every reason to expect him to be fighting for a win."

Mills, who spent a night in hospital following the crash, is also keen to get back to business. "I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it," said Phil. "I had a couple of rest days after the crash, but then I was back training with a physiotherapist and, apart from a bit of stiffness in my joints, I feel fine. We've had a few bumps in our time, but we're okay, we're professionals and it's going to be business as usual on Friday."