Latvala's best result from two starts in Sardinia is ninth last year but the 23-year-old Finn is eager to use his sparkling pace on gravel to better that.

"For some drivers Sardinia is not a favourite but the island holds good memories for me," he said. "Before graduating to the WRC I drove two national rallies on the island on similar roads and last year here I led a world rally for the first time."

"My final position on the last round in Jordan was disappointing after challenging for the win for most of the event, but I came away with more positives than negatives. I was happy with my speed and I plan to work on the car's set-up during my test this weekend. I was a little too sideways in Jordan and I want to find a better balance with the car on these tyres," he added.

The rally base remains in Olbia, with the single service park in the town's port, but organisers have maintained their policy of ringing the changes with 29 per cent of the stages new and some competitive distance used in the opposite direction to previous years.

The exclusive coastal resort of Porto Cervo again hosts both the start and finish ceremonies. Much of the new distance is covered on the opening day which nevertheless returns to traditional territory south of Olbia in the Nuoro region.

The second leg is similar to last year, covering more inland tests in Gallura and including the spectacular Monte Lerno jump. The final day moves away from Tempio Pausania and Arzachena for tests south of Olbia before a short, final stage just south of Porto Cervo in the famous Cala di Volpe gulf.

Drivers tackle 17 stages covering 344.73km in a route of 1040.35km.

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