Subaru plots fightback

The Swedish has never been won by a non-Scandinavian, and Subaru doesn't have one in its team. Norway's Petter Solberg and newcomer Finn Mikko Hirvonen are looking to end Peugeot's run of four straight wins on the event.

"This is the closest event to my home country," said Solberg. "There's going to be a hell of a lot of Norwegians there. It will be an interesting event. We have an improved tyre for this rally.

"The test went well and I've worked out why I didn't do so well in Sweden last year - but I am not saying just yet!"



Team principal David Lapworth added his own optimistic words: "The Swedes and Finns have traditionally dominated this event, and in Petter and Mikko we have two Scandinavian drivers that are very talented on this type of surface."

"There are currently full snow conditions in Karlstad and we know the Pirelli tyres are very strong in those. So it's looking good."

Historically speaking though, Hirvonen is more likely to snatch Swedish victory. Solberg may be Scandinavian, but no Norwegian has ever won the event. Nor has a non-Scandinavian co-pilot shared in the spoils, and Solberg's co-driver Phil Mills is Welsh.