Solberg: we have a lot of work to do

Solberg was eventually disqualified after engines problems meant he took eight minutes to get going in the penultimate stage of the rally, instead of the FIA limit of 20 seconds.

However, he was already way down the order in 19th after a catalogue of mechanical problems hampered his progress.

The Norwegian, who won the event last year, dropped down the order immediately after his rear driveshaft failed in the first stage. The car then had problems with the gearbox, and the replacement transmission also developed a fault.

In addition, a post concealed in a snow bank damaged his right front steering arm on the final day.

"I just don't know what to say," Solberg said. "I'm trying to remain positive about things but it's certainly been a weekend to forget.

"Clearly we've got a lot of work to do now to get things back to normal. I want to thank everyone who supported us this weekend, there were so many Norwegian flags by the side of the road and I'm sorry we weren't able to get a better result."

Subaru World Rally Team Performance director David Lapworth shared Solberg's frustrations.

"The important thing is that we learn from what has happened this weekend and come out fighting in Mexico," Lapworth said.

"This just hasn't been our rally and all of us in the team share Petter's disappointment and frustration. When they were able, Chris and Petter showed glimpses of the potential of the WRC2006 but, for a number of reasons, our overall performance was way below our expectations."