McRae hopes for Oz boost

Former world champion Colin McRae has said that his start position at the tail-end of the running order on Friday's opening leg of the Telstra Rally Australia, should offer him the opportunity to make an impression on the timesheets from the off.

The forest stages around Perth that make up the end of season event feature ball bearing like gravel which is notoriously lacking in grip, and times get substantially quicker as more cars go through and sweep the loose gravel off the surface exposing the harder base surface below.

As a late entry, McRae should be well down the order for Friday's opening leg, allowing him to potentially steal a march on the opposition. Skoda team boss Martin Muehlmeier has said he's hoping that the drafting of McRae to partner rally veteran Armin Schwarz in the final WRC event of his career should boost the teams hopes of a strong finish to a difficult year.

"Australia is avery difficult rally." McRae said. "It's high speed and the trees are very close to the edge of the road. Combine that with the unique road surface and you end up with one of the toughest rallies of the year. It is also one of my favourites because it is well organised, has a great atmosphere and I've had some great results there. My start postion should be perfect so I'm looking forward to the event."