HAMPSHIRE rally driver Justin Dale has been given his first taste of the four-wheel-drive Subaru Impreza he will be driving at next week's Network Q Rally GB.

The 31-year-old from Chilbolton has completed 150km of gravel testing in his new customer-specification S8 Subaru Impreza WRC ahead of Britain's round of the World Rally Championship.

Justin said: "I got in and looked around in awe at all the levers, knobs, switches and other gizmos.

"The interior is just much more complicated than I'm used to, which was quite daunting at first. However, once you're on the move that's all forgotten, because the power, speed, brakes and - above all - grip are out of this world.

Where a front-drive car is just spinning its wheels, the Impreza gets up and goes. You're going into corners maybe 20mph quicker than in a Super 1600, but there's far less drama. You just put your foot down, the car pulls itself round and you're off down the straight before you've had the chance to frighten yourself.

"Everything's happening so much faster. Whereas you often have a chance to get your breath back in a Super 1600, there's no respite here - everything's coming at you thick and fast. Yet the car is so user-friendly.

"The ride's good, it's stable over the bumps, and I reckon, if anything, it's quieter than an S16. What I'm trying to say is that the whole experience is amazing - quite the most fun I've ever had in a rally car.

"However, I fully realise that it's early days. A lot of people seem to be talking up our chances on the Rally GB, but I've got to admit that it's a huge learning curve. Testing is really no indication of real pace, and I've just got to use this first event to come to terms with this new experience.

"I need much more competitive mileage before I can get near to realising the car's full potential, but, having said that, I can't wait to start. To be able to drive a car like this over a 37-mile stage is everyone's dream."

Dale's yellow-liveried car will set out from the Rally GB's Cardiff start at number 30, backed by Dubai-based car importer The House of Cars. This will be Justin's second experience of the Rally GB, but his first in a top-flight car. It will also be his first competitive drive in a four-wheel-drive car."