Toyota realistic about chances

Didier Auriol and Carlos Sainz are the only non-Scandinavian drivers who have taken victory on this most specialised of rallies.

They currently lie second and third in the points, the only men with a realistic chance of beating Tommi Makinen to the title, and the team has a comfortable lead in the manufacturers' contest.

This is despite the fact that Toyota has yet to win a rally in 1999.

If they cannot beat the locals in Finland however, it will be very tough for either of their drivers to overhaul Makinen in the final few rounds of the championship.

'This event favours the local drivers and is one of the toughest for us to win,' admitted Auriol.

'We have to try and fight for victory, but with only a few rounds remaining in the championship, any points we can pick up on such a difficult event will be important.'

'If you can go fast in Finland, it means something special,' Sainz agreed. 'Taking victory here in 1990 ranks as one of the most important wins in my career.

'It's a tough event to learn, especially because of the high speeds. If you make any mistakes, they're usually big ones.'