jakaracman
12-05-2003, 03:36 AM
From wrc.com:
The identity of Petter Solberg’s 2004 Subaru team mate should become apparent soon, following the news that Colin McRae – most people’s favourite for the drive – visited the team’s headquarters earlier this week for discussions.
Although both parties have yet to confirm that a deal for the 1995 World Champion to replace Richard Burns is in place, speculation is rife that a preliminary agreement has been tabled.
Subaru team boss David Lapworth has refused to discuss details of drivers or budgets.
“The meetings in Japan last week were very positive and we’re looking to be in a position to make a full assault on the championship next year,” is all he would divulge.
The team is believed to be increasing its budget for 2004 in the knowledge that a change in the points-scoring rules will improve its chances of regaining the manufacturers’ world championship.
McRae is being equally tight-lipped. "Obviously there's an interest, but we haven't discussed anything in detail," he said.
If the deal does come about it would mark a return to the Japanese marque for 35-year old McRae. He drove for the team between 1991 and 1998, winning the 1995 world title.
He had looked to be out of a drive in the WRC after losing his seat with Citroen due to regulation changes. With Richard Burns' illness forcing the Englishman to miss the 2004 season, McRae seemed to be a logical choice for Subaru.
World Champion Petter Solberg has already said that he would enjoy working with McRae again. They were briefly team mates at Ford in 1999 and 2000.
"It's not something I would object to," he said. "I actually think it would be positive.”
The identity of Petter Solberg’s 2004 Subaru team mate should become apparent soon, following the news that Colin McRae – most people’s favourite for the drive – visited the team’s headquarters earlier this week for discussions.
Although both parties have yet to confirm that a deal for the 1995 World Champion to replace Richard Burns is in place, speculation is rife that a preliminary agreement has been tabled.
Subaru team boss David Lapworth has refused to discuss details of drivers or budgets.
“The meetings in Japan last week were very positive and we’re looking to be in a position to make a full assault on the championship next year,” is all he would divulge.
The team is believed to be increasing its budget for 2004 in the knowledge that a change in the points-scoring rules will improve its chances of regaining the manufacturers’ world championship.
McRae is being equally tight-lipped. "Obviously there's an interest, but we haven't discussed anything in detail," he said.
If the deal does come about it would mark a return to the Japanese marque for 35-year old McRae. He drove for the team between 1991 and 1998, winning the 1995 world title.
He had looked to be out of a drive in the WRC after losing his seat with Citroen due to regulation changes. With Richard Burns' illness forcing the Englishman to miss the 2004 season, McRae seemed to be a logical choice for Subaru.
World Champion Petter Solberg has already said that he would enjoy working with McRae again. They were briefly team mates at Ford in 1999 and 2000.
"It's not something I would object to," he said. "I actually think it would be positive.”