Four hundred kilometres from the Monte Carlo service park, Markko Martin climbed aboard the Impreza WRC2008 for the first time to put it through its paces in a week long gravel test in Sardinia.
Putting the car through almost 1000 kilometres of testing over five days, the aim was endurance testing of the car and components and familiarisation for both the engineers and Markko.
It was conducted under a variety of conditions in changeable weather, and used a variety of roads from wide sweeping routes to tight and technical sections.
“We’ve been testing the WRC2008 all week and have done a lot of kilometres since Monday,” commented Markko Martin.
“The testing was very promising, and though it is obviously too early to comment on performance, myself and the team have learned a lot about the car to help us make all the right decisions at this early stage.
“It’s a great feeling to be back with the team again – it’s been a while since I was last here in 2001 and there are some old faces and some new faces. The team are all speaking the same language, which is important in understanding the direction of the car, which is crucial.
“It’s a very exciting car for the team and for Subaru, and it’s a privilege to be involved with it. It’s always a good feeling to drive a new car, and I’m looking forward to the next test where we will start to focus on performance,” Martin added.
It all adds up to what should be a promising (and much needed) season of success for Atkinson, Solberg and the Subaru World Rally Team.
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