Martin finds sweet-spot with Peugeot 307?

Peugeot's Markko Martin reckons that he has finally found the key to going fast with the 307 WRC, after struggling to adapt to the car following his move from Ford at the end of last season.

Although the Estonian has notched up some solid results this season, and is third in drivers' championship, just three points behind leader, Petter Solberg, he has never really looked likely to win as he just hasn't felt at one with the car. Now though, following a change in technique in the final stages of the Rally NZ, he believes he might have cracked it - and the early signs are good, after overhauling Toni Gardemeister in SS20 to steal fifth.

"I have made a big step in understanding how to drive the 307 WRC on this rally, but I think I discovered it a bit late," he stated.

"I tried changing my driving style during the last afternoon of the rally and it seemed to work well: I was able to pass Toni Gardemeister and take fifth. I need to left foot brake a bit more, but this is quite a different driving style to what I am used to. The final result could have been better, but it's more important that I understand the 307 WRC and our new Pirelli tyres as best as I can, so this rally has been an extremely useful experience."

Peugeot boss, Jean-Pierre Nicolas meanwhile confirmed that Martin has made a big leap forward, noting 'it seems that he made a breakthrough on the final stage', and 'that he found a new way of driving that will put him at ease with our 307 WRC'.

The message it seems from Martin: I'm back!