Solberg eyes success

The team has scored points in every race since the 2011 season opener in Sweden and finished in the top five in eight out of the 10 rounds.

Solberg and his co-driver Ilka Minor went close to sealing their best result of the season in Australia before an electrical problem scuppered their chances.

But Solberg is keen to recover in Strasbourg and emulate his performance in last year's event when he finished first in class and ninth overall at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta S2000.

"It still feels a bit strange going to a French round of the WRC but not being based in Corsica, but the amount of spectators that were there last year seems to make Strasbourg an ideal location," Solberg said.

"I remember there being a lot of different stage surfaces with some broken asphalt and a mixture of narrow and fast sections which can make it difficult finding a good rhythm.

"I’m not sure what the weather will be like when we get there but the cold temperatures last year made it harder for us. 

"I think judging the correct set-up could be the most difficult factor next week but we’ll aim to use shakedown to find a good feeling before we start the rally."