Italian driver Giandomenico Basso is confident that a pre Monte Carlo test will kick start an even more successful season for his Abarth team in 2009. Basso clinched two wins at the end of this year’s season, but he is determined to hit the ground running in 2009.

As a result, Abarth has been testing in the south of France last week, using roads similar to those on which they will contest the Monte Carlo Rally. The test aimed to familiarise the Italian team with the legendary event around the Principality, which they are contesting for the first time, and also try out some new components and the latest evolutions on the Grande Punto.

Basso commented: "The test was good, although in the areas with a lot of snow conditions were really complicated: you can go from having a lot of grip to practically zero. The car felt fine, but I felt that we could still benefit from another day in order to refine the set-up, so hopefully we will be able to manage that."

Basso also tested some new snow tyres from BFGoodrich, that have studs planted into the rubber in order to help the cars find traction. "Those tyres took a little bit of getting used to," explained Basso. "Monte Carlo is still an event where you need a bit of luck, as the conditions vary so much. It's the sort of place where a bit of experience is useful, but mostly you have to rely on your wits."

Joining the Abarth team in 2009 is the reigning European Champion Luca Rossetti, who will contest the Monte Carlo Rally plus selected other IRC events. Rossetti has competed in Monte Carlo on more than one occasion in the past, and Basso also has one previous participation, in a Fiat Seicento, behind him. "It went well, but it was a long time ago and on different stages," said Basso. A lot of what will happen in Monte Carlo will depend on the weather: if it is largely dry like last year it will be more like a conventional asphalt rally, but if it snows heavily then anything can happen."