Andreas Mikkelsen has admitted his performance against Volkswagen Motorsport teammate Sebastien Ogier on last week's Rally Argentina exceeded his own expectations.
The Norwegian, who is on loan from Skoda UK to Volkswagen Motorsport for half of this year's World Rally Championship, was beating seven-time world rally winner Ogier for much of the South American event, despite it being Mikkelsen's first time on the stages.
Mikkelsen's run came to an end when the suspension failed on his Fabia on the final day.
"I was really pleased with the speed we showed against Sebastien," said Mikkelsen. "When we competed against him in Sweden, it was different because I had a lot of experience on the snow, but for me this was a new event and for him, he was nearly winning here last year.
"I have to say, I didn't really expect this kind of performance – I am really happy with it."
Mikkelsen's main program this year is the defence of his Intercontinental Rally Challenge title with Skoda UK. The Norwegian leads the 2012 standings heading to next week's fourth round in Corsica.