Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon is about to embark on his third season in the World Rally Championship and it could be his most challenging.
A number of drivers have changed teams during the off-season and everybody will be racing in new cars so they can meet revised technical regulations introduced for this year's competition.
The new cars have improved aerodynamic and mechanical grip, increased engine power up to 380bhp, reduced weight and also include the re-introduction of the active centre differential.
Paddon, along with co-driver John Kennard, completed six days testing the new car last year and has been practicing for the season-opening Monte Carlo rally which gets underway on January 19 (local time).
Paddon believes it will be difficult to get a true feel for the new car in Monte Carlo, what he describes as the "most difficult rally of the year".
"We are starting the year with the most difficult rally of the year," said Paddon.
"It's definitely my least favourite. It's very icy and the conditions are very unpredictable, so keeping on the road will be a big challenge on its own.
"The conditions are up to -13 degrees celcius and there will be less snow but more ice and that is challenging.
"It's going to take a steady as she goes approach this weekend."
Things did not go well for Paddon at Monte-Carlo last year after he slid on ice and caused extensive damage to his car.
Paddon is not worried about a good finish in the first event of the year and is more worried about getting to the finish line instead.
"We want to get more miles on the car and try get more experience at this event," said Paddon.
"Hopefully we can get some points and build off that before hitting sixth gear.
"It's not a rally about speed, it's more about control."
2017 World Rally Championship schedule (All local times)
Round 1: Monte Carlo, 19-22 January
Round 2: Sweden, 9-12 February
Round 3: Mexico, 9-12 March
Round 4: France, 6-9 April
Round 5: Argentina, 27-30 April
Round 6: Portugal, 18-21 May
Round 7: Italy, 8-11 June
Round 8: Poland, 29 June 2 July
Round 9: Finland, 27-30 July
Round 10: Germany, 17-20 August
Round 11: Spain, 5-8 October
Round 12: Great Britain, 26-29 October
Round 13: Australia, 16-19 November
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