Suzuki has 'high expectations'.

Suzuki team manager, Risto Laine has revealed that they have high hopes for New Zealand, following back-to-back class victories in Mexico and Sweden.

Although NZ is not apart of the Junior WRC, Suzuki have elected to take in all events this year, to gain experience of the championship, as rumours persist that they might step up to the 'senior' class in 2006 - something that would be good news for the WRC as a whole, with Peugeot and Citroen both set to pull out.

"New Zealand will be a new event for pretty much all of us, but of course the reason we are doing these rallies outside of the Junior World Rally Championship is in order to gain experience," confirmed Laine.

"As ever it's difficult to know what to expect, but I have every confidence in the team, the car and the drivers. Coming off the back of two consecutive class victories, our expectations have to be high."

Suzuki's aim in NZ will once again be to try and beat the more powerful two-litre four-wheel drive cars of the Production Car WRC. February's Rally Sweden - the first event that Suzuki contested outside of the Junior WRC - proved that this is an entirely realistic possibility, as the Ignis beat every single Group N car on stage times throughout the final day!

The Ignis has also showed itself capable of finishing in the top 10 overall, and while this is no easy task, Suzuki's drivers - Per-Gunnar Andersson and Guy Wilks - will be doing their utmost to achieve it.

Reigning Junior champion Andersson is making his debut in New Zealand, but is nonetheless looking forward to the challenge, like Wilks.

"From what I hear about this rally, it should really suit me and the Ignis," said P-G. "My favourite rallies are fast gravel events, and this fits the bill perfectly."