Meeke admits Australia key to future

The Northern Irishman is driving for the Citroen factory team for the first time in Coffs Harbour and has been given strict instructions that he is expected to contribute towards Citroen's manufacturers' points tally.

Meeke drove for the Abu Dhabi Citroen team in Finland last month and set a spectacular pace on his maiden DS3 WRC outing before crashing on the penultimate stage.

"I know what I have to do here and everything depends on here for my future,” said Meeke.

"All I know at the moment [about my future] is that I am doing Rally Australia, I don't know anything else about next year."

Meeke is replacing beleaguered Spaniard Dani Sordo, who has been unable to find and gravel form this season, but ironically scored first WRC win in Germany last month.

Meeke made the perfect start to the rally, winning his first ever qualifying stage this morning.

"The qualifying stage is a great indicator of pure pace," said Meeke, "it's kind of everything when it comes to pace, so to be fastest there on only my second time in this car is very special.

"But the best thing is that it gives me the chance to really control my own rally - I got to chose my place on the road and then drive the rally I want and Citroen wants."