The Subaru World Rally Team from Banbury have recently completed three days of rough gravel testing in preparation for the forthcoming rallies of Cyprus and Greece, two of the roughest events in the world rally calendar.

Markko Martin and Richard Burns each drove the team's Subaru Impreza WRC2001 test car and covered a total of 450 kilometres on roads that represented the slow, twisty and rocky terrain expected on the next two rallies.

Richard BurnsWork concentrated on confirming the reliability of mechanical components and testing the latest developments from tyre partner Pirelli.

Engineers also paid close attention to the cooling systems of the car, which in Cyprus and Greece, must cope with high ambient temperatures and reduced airflow due to comparatively low average speeds.

Richard Burns said: "I was very pleased with the way the car felt, the new model is a real improvement over last year's on these surfaces.

"It is very good coming out of corners, it's responsive and easy to drive on the twisty narrow roads.

"The team got more power from the engine in Argentina, and we've made some good progress with tyre choices and suspension set-ups here."