The Scottish Ford driver lies seventh in the world championship ahead of the Acropolis Rally in Greece, which starts on 13 June.

McRae is 21 points - more than two clear wins - behind championship leader Marcus Gronholm and knows that he must take advantage of events that favour his Ford Focus car.

Both the Acropolis and the subsequent Safari Rally in Kenya - which starts on 11 July fit that description.

McRae conceded that his chances would have been even slimmer had it not been for the controversy on the Rally of Argentina last month.

Gronholm won on the road in South America but was disqualified. Fellow Peugeot driver Richard Burns, who initially inherited the win, was also kicked out.

That promoted McRae to third on a rally in which he had been uncompetitive.

McRae said: "If luck hadn't been on our side in Argentina our title chances in both the drivers' and manufacturers' championships would have been pretty grim.

"But the results changed and things are healthier.

"However, it's essential we come away from the Acropolis and Safari with at least one win and I hope we can get that in Greece."

Both Greece and the Safari are run on notoriously rough roads, like the Rally of Cyprus in April, which McRae led until a roll on the final day.

McRae said: "The Focus goes well in these rougher conditions.

"We led from the start in Cyprus until our accident and I think Greece is even more suited to the car because the speeds are higher and therefore it's even tougher on the cars."

McRae's team-mate Carlos Sainz, who won the Rally of Argentina, shares the Scot's opinion.

"This rally and the next one are crucial to our title hopes," the Spaniard said.