GUY Wilks has admitted to being a Christmas humbug after the festive period prevented him from getting behind the wheel of a car.

The Darlington rally driver cannot wait to get the new season underway as he and his Suzuki colleagues embark on their biggest adventure to date.

Wilks, reigning British Super 1600 and British Junior rally champion, is part of the Japanese push to make their mark on the world rally stage when they take part in all rounds of the World Rally Championship.

The season begins in Monte Carlo, the oldest and most prestigious event on the calendar, between January 20 and 23.

The rally is based high in the mountains above the famous principality, and consists of twisty asphalt roads that are normally covered in ice and snow.

A change to the usual route means that the rally runs further south this year, and there is a smaller chance of extreme weather.

This year's Monte Carlo Rally is the most compact in the event's history. Just four stages make up the first day's action, with five stages on leg two and six on the final day which includes the legendary Col de Turini.

The last time Wilks was behind the wheel of the Suzuki Ignis was in the Catalunya Rally three months ago and so he and Suzuki team-mate P G Andersson will have one short test run today to reacquaint themselves with their cars. Wilks, for one, cannot wait to get started.

"Christmas and New Year have been very difficult as they have got in the way of what I really want to do, which is to go rallying!" he said.

"I think we have to approach Monte Carlo with a very open mind, as we have absolutely no idea of the conditions. There could be snow or dry asphalt or even fog, which is just as difficult as ice.

"For the most part I anticipate we will end up using slicks rather than studs, but we just have to wait and see. Personally, I feel fitter and stronger than ever and I can't wait to get started!"

* Jenson Button insists BAR must finally win a race this season.

The Englishman came close on several occasions last year when he inspired BAR to runners-up spot in the constructors' championship, but he will not accept second best for another year.

At the launch of the new Honda-powered BAR 007 in Barcelona today, Button set the team a target of breaking their duck this season. ''We have to get a win this year otherwise it will be very disappointing,'' Button said. ''We think we have taken a good step forward with the car.''

Published: 17/01/2005