Over 80 crews have filed their requisite forms, but one of the most notable features of the Rally Russia entry list is that IRC series leader Luca Rossetti will not be contesting the event due to commitments at home in Italy.

This presents a golden opportunity for Peugeot Belgium's Nicolas Vouilloz, who is just four points behind him after finishing on the podium in every IRC event so far, to take over the lead of the series.

However one of the pre-event favourites is last year's winner Anton Alen (Abarth), who feels at home over the sinuous stages.

Also driving a Grande Punto is one of the biggest attractions of the event: 1994 World Rally Champion Didier Auriol, co-driven as always by Denis Giraudet. This will be Auriol's second IRC outing, after he starred in the Portugal Rally earlier this year.

A new face at the wheel of a Super 2000 car is Finn Juho Hanninen, driving a Peugeot 207. Hanninen's speed is renowned, and he could be an outside contender for victory.

There is set to be an exciting battle in the IRC 2WD Cup category, with Englishman Guy Wilks making his first appearance in the IRC with a Honda Civic Type R R3. The car ran as high as sixth overall in Russia last year with Dani Sola at the wheel, and Wilks is hoping to spring a similar surprise this time.

Marco Cavigioli, a top-10 finisher in Russia last year, is hoping to extend his lead of the 2WD Cup (currently shared with two other drivers) thanks to another strong run in his Grande Punto diesel.

As always, there will be a very strong contingent of local drivers who know the roads well, such as experienced Mitsubishi drivers Andrei Zhigunov and Boris Fedotov.

Anton Alen, 2007 Rally Russia winner, Abarth:

"We had a very good run last year, so obviously my aim is to try and do that again this time. A lot will depend on the condition of the stages: if the conditions are nice and clean then we will be able to push at our hardest straight away. However, if there are a few rocks and other things, then obviously we will have to be a bit more careful. I think this rally suits both me and the Grande Punto very well, so I'm feeling quite confident."

Freddy Loix, Peugeot Belgium driver:

"Winning the last rally in Ypres was a big boost to my confidence and so I think that our season really starts from now on. I think Russia will be a very interesting rally, although I really don't know what to expect. But I know that the car will be very good as always and that the stages will be quick, so I'm looking forward to it. We need another good result if we want to finish in the top three of the series at the end of the year."