Suzuki SX4 set for debut.

Suzuki's new SX4 WRC car will finally make its first appearance in the FIA World Rally Championship this weekend, when Nicolas Bernardi drives the car on the Rallye de France-Tour de Corse.

Suzuki confirmed its plans to step up to the 'senior' level back in February 2006, when the car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Back then the intention was to start competing from August 2007, however, when plans to run the WRC schedule over two calendar years were abandoned the Japanese manufacturer had no choice but to postpone things.

Originally Suzuki had been due to do three events this season, as part of its preparation for 2008, but in the end the outing in Finland was canned and now Suzuki will do just Corsica and the season ending, Wales Rally GB.

Bernardi will drive the car in Corsica, while fellow ex-Peugeot man, Sebastian Lindholm has been given the nod for Wales - both have plenty of experience with the car from testing.

Speaking at the 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show back in September, Toshihiro Suzuki said the SX4 had been 'honed to the highest level'.

"Suzuki will enter the WRC on a test basis next month and its first full season in 2008," he stated. "This year's test runs with the SX4 WRC car will be piloted by tarmac specialist Nicolas Bernardi at Rallye de France and gravel expert Sebastian Lindholm at Wales Rally GB.

"We look forward to their performance in a machine that has been honed to the highest level."

Suzuki meanwhile has yet to announce who will drive the SX4 WRC in 2008, although a number of names have been linked to the team, including Toni Gardemeister, Gigi Galli and Francois Duval, to mention just three.

JRC runners, Per-Gunnar Andersson and Urmo Aava may also be in consideration - and both will be out to impress this weekend as they slog it out for the Junior crown in their Suzuki Swift S1600s. Currently P-G and Aava are tied on points ahead of the JRC season finale.