Subaru: We know we can win in NZ

The British-based outfit is still seeking its first win with the new-shape Impreza WRC2008.

On previous outings, Subaru has placed the emphasis on finishing and scoring podiums. Now, however, there's enough confidence for the team to push for a win for either Petter Solberg or Chris Atkinson.

Subaru's operation director Paul Howarth said: "We've told them [Solberg and Atkinson] to go out and drive as fast as they can. The target is a win here. We pick our target events for a variety of reasons, here it's the strong history both Subaru and Petter have shown on this event. We know we can win here."

The Impreza WRC2008 has undergone more development since the last rally in Germany, 10 days ago. One of the features which is likely to help the Subaru most, however, is the fact that the work of the suspension is not as crucial on the North Island roads as it is on other events.

Howarth agreed, saying: "There's no the same level of high and low frequency input into the dampers, which means they're not going to be getting as warm as on other rallies. The dampers are less of an evil here than elsewhere. That said, our damper development programme is continuing apace, as is the evolution of the whole car package. We also have more confidence with the base car - that comes from the simple fact of spending more and more time in it."

Atkinson said: "We need to win. The whole team needs to win. Fifteen years ago, Colin McRae won Subaru's first rally here, I reckon we'd have a pretty big party if we could win again."

Subaru hasn't won since Petter Solberg's Rally Great Britain victory in September, 2005.