Jari-Matti Latvala is aiming to keep up the pressure on team-mate Mikko Hirvonen and reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb at the top of the drivers' standings when the world rally championship moves to Argentina.

The 22-year-old Finn, who became the youngest WRC event winner when he triumphed in Sweden in the second event of the season, lies third behind BP Ford team-mate and compatriot Hirvonen and Citroen's Loeb after three rounds.

But Latvala, who was third in the last round in Mexico, is keen to get back to winning ways in the rally based in Villa Carlos Paz, near Cordoba.

"I'm hoping to be able to find the same speed in Argentina that I did in Mexico, so that I can fight with Mikko, Sebastien Loeb and the other leading drivers for a top placing," he said.

"The Rally Argentina is one of my favourite rallies. The people there are welcoming and friendly and they have great passion for the sport.

"Only Finland is more enthusiastic than Argentina - and it is a really great feeling to have."

Latvala, who succeeded retired two-time world champion Marcus Gronholm at BP Ford, underlined, however, that securing a strong result will prove a severe test as many of the stages will take place at altitude and on rutted roads, putting further pressure on the engine and the tyres.

He explained: "This rally has a little bit of everything.

"A driver needs to be precise and keep the car in a straight line as much as possible.

"Because the surface is sandy, ruts develop in the corners and if the car is too sideways it takes a long time to generate the traction to come out of the bend."

Loeb, who will be looking for his fourth successive win in Argentina, was expected to romp to a fifth straight world title without the presence of arch-rival Gronholm.

And the 34-year-old Frenchman is keen to build on his second victory of the season in Mexico last time out.

"Above all, I hope we are competitive," he said. "The major unknown factor concerns how our tyres will perform.

"But I really do enjoy this event - it's one of the best of the year.

"There's always a very special atmosphere and it's nice to see such enthusiastic spectators.

"(Co-driver) Daniel (Elena) and I have won the last three events and another victory would put us back on top of the championship standings.

Hirvonen has two second-placed finishes and a fourth this season and is one point clear of Loeb in the drivers' standings, while Subaru's Chris Atkinson is fourth and will be seeking a maiden victory this weekend.

However, the Australian does not have high expectations for Argentina.

"Argentina is probably one of the most difficult rallies for me," Atkinson said.

"It seems to be a rally you need quite a bit of experience at, and that suits those who've been here for a long time.

"You recall (Carlos) Sainz and other greats winning this rally and making their careers because of it, and it's a rally I've still to come to grips with speed-wise overall."

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