Subaru downplay title chances

The team introduced their 2007-spec Impreza at last weekend's Rally Mexico, but Richards believes that it is too late for a title push because the car has had such little testing.

Petter Solberg was leading for the first five stages in Mexico before an oil leak forced him out of the event, while Atkinson finished fifth in the new car.

"I think it was an excellent debut for the car considering how little testing it has had," Richards told autosport.com. "But it's probably a little bit early for a title push."

Solberg is already 24 points adrift of championship leader Marcus Gronholm in the championship, with Atkinson only two points better off.

Richards feels that the team has to target improved results for the remainder of 2007, but he believes that their goals will have to change when a completely new car is introduced for next year.

"I think we can see Petter and Chris challenging for podiums and wins this year, but with the new car next year there will be no excuses," he said.

Solberg had described the new car as "perfect" before he struck problems on the first day of Rally Mexico, and Richards was encouraged by the feedback he had been given by the team.

"Petter was very pleased, and Chris did very well also," he said. "Setting fastest times and leading the first day until the problem was very positive."