| TimStevens | 12-03-2003 11:22 AM |
McRae to sign with Subaru
�
�
Looks like the deal is nearly done:
[url]http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?s=8&id=25437[/url]
If this comes to be, as it seems it will, I think it's a good move. Solberg's pretty consistent, and McRae did pretty well to keep it on the road with Citroen. Plus, they seem to like each other, so it should be a good pairing, IMHO.
[url]http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?s=8&id=25437[/url]
If this comes to be, as it seems it will, I think it's a good move. Solberg's pretty consistent, and McRae did pretty well to keep it on the road with Citroen. Plus, they seem to like each other, so it should be a good pairing, IMHO.
| Matt | 12-03-2003 11:30 AM |
Can't read the article without registering. :(
| TimStevens | 12-03-2003 11:36 AM |
It's free to register, and probably the best racing news site on the web, so registering is a good idea. :) But, here's the text:
[quote]Colin McRae is on the verge of sealing a deal to contest the World Rally Championship with Subaru in 2004, according to this week's Motorsport News.
"Obviously there's an interest, but we haven't discussed anything in detail," McRae told Motorsport News. "Hopefully there will be a meeting later this week."
The 1995 World Champion (with Subaru) had looked to be out of a drive in the WRC after rule changes reduced teams from two to three cars. Then Richard Burns' illness opened up an opportunity at Subaru.
The Japanese manufacturer and its British team Prodrive were reluctant to sign a new driver until Ford's plans were firmed up. That has now happened and potential Subaru targets Markko Martin and Francois Duval are commited to the Focus again. Thus negotiations between McRae and Subaru now appear to be under way in earnest.
New World Champion Petter Solberg - who is under contract at Subaru - would welcome McRae. "It's not something I would object to," said the Norwegian. "I actually think it would be positive."
[/quote]
[quote]Colin McRae is on the verge of sealing a deal to contest the World Rally Championship with Subaru in 2004, according to this week's Motorsport News.
"Obviously there's an interest, but we haven't discussed anything in detail," McRae told Motorsport News. "Hopefully there will be a meeting later this week."
The 1995 World Champion (with Subaru) had looked to be out of a drive in the WRC after rule changes reduced teams from two to three cars. Then Richard Burns' illness opened up an opportunity at Subaru.
The Japanese manufacturer and its British team Prodrive were reluctant to sign a new driver until Ford's plans were firmed up. That has now happened and potential Subaru targets Markko Martin and Francois Duval are commited to the Focus again. Thus negotiations between McRae and Subaru now appear to be under way in earnest.
New World Champion Petter Solberg - who is under contract at Subaru - would welcome McRae. "It's not something I would object to," said the Norwegian. "I actually think it would be positive."
[/quote]
| rogue | 12-03-2003 01:20 PM |
We knew it was coming to this.
Glad to hear it.
Glad to hear it.
| Scooby South | 12-03-2003 09:36 PM |
Sueeeeeeeeeet....my first choice anyways...But the Really cool part will be the next " COLIN MCRAE RALLY" will have a SUBARU featured..;)....
:banana:
Bill
:banana:
Bill
| firedog25 | 12-03-2003 10:41 PM |
How old is this article? Post Burns or Pre-Burns?
I know McCrae was in talks with Subaru before, but they wanted him to get the financing to campaign the car himself.
I constantly check the following sources for info myself.
[URL=http://www.worldrallynews.com]World Rally News[/URL]
[URL=http://www.rallyplanet.com]Rally Planet[/URL]
And of course...
[URL=http://www.wrc.com]WRC[/URL]
And I haven't seen a lick of info about McCrae except that his brother is driving in Group N this year and he is testing the hell out of the dunes for his Paris-Dakar run.
I know McCrae was in talks with Subaru before, but they wanted him to get the financing to campaign the car himself.
I constantly check the following sources for info myself.
[URL=http://www.worldrallynews.com]World Rally News[/URL]
[URL=http://www.rallyplanet.com]Rally Planet[/URL]
And of course...
[URL=http://www.wrc.com]WRC[/URL]
And I haven't seen a lick of info about McCrae except that his brother is driving in Group N this year and he is testing the hell out of the dunes for his Paris-Dakar run.
| sha_zapple | 12-03-2003 11:49 PM |
Ive heard about Alistar getting a production car for Group N (i think) but thats all ive heard about the McCraes.
Im wiling to bet that Colin is joining Subaru!
Im wiling to bet that Colin is joining Subaru!
| TimStevens | 12-04-2003 07:50 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by firedog25[/i]
[B] How old is this article? Post Burns or Pre-Burns? [/B][/QUOTE]
Check the article, it was posted yesterday. Autosport is one of the UK's best racing news mags (and sites).
[B] How old is this article? Post Burns or Pre-Burns? [/B][/QUOTE]
Check the article, it was posted yesterday. Autosport is one of the UK's best racing news mags (and sites).
| joe z | 12-04-2003 11:09 AM |
not bad it would be nice to see him in a subie again
| rupertberr | 12-04-2003 11:16 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Scooby South [/i]
[B]...But the Really cool part will be the next " COLIN MCRAE RALLY" will have a SUBARU featured..;)....
[/B][/QUOTE]
:banana: :banana:
[B]...But the Really cool part will be the next " COLIN MCRAE RALLY" will have a SUBARU featured..;)....
[/B][/QUOTE]
:banana: :banana:
| TimStevens | 12-04-2003 11:54 AM |
Nah, it'll still have a Citroen, as CMR4 is already done and out in Europe. When they released CMR3 he was already at Citroen and the game featured the Focus. If Codemasters could get their act together they might not have these problems! :lol:
| Craig W | 12-04-2003 01:24 PM |
When making a game for the consoles, there's at least a one month lag between completion of the game by the developer and it hitting the store shelves. Besides going through the developer's QA, it has to be ok'd by the console manufacturers and pass their QA. Then it's off to the factory.
Before any of that, the artwork is usually locked down about a month before that. So, I wouldn't say Codemasters had much they could've done about Colin changing rides so often.
It would've been an easy change on the car model's texture though; two names and a number, copy and paste. In the next version, they should make the names mix and match so you can put whatever driver/co-driver in whichever car you want. Though I can't really see how that'd change the way the car would drive in the game.
So this isn't completely off-topic. Yeah Colin! Yeah Subaru!
Before any of that, the artwork is usually locked down about a month before that. So, I wouldn't say Codemasters had much they could've done about Colin changing rides so often.
It would've been an easy change on the car model's texture though; two names and a number, copy and paste. In the next version, they should make the names mix and match so you can put whatever driver/co-driver in whichever car you want. Though I can't really see how that'd change the way the car would drive in the game.
So this isn't completely off-topic. Yeah Colin! Yeah Subaru!
| TimStevens | 12-04-2003 01:30 PM |
CMR3 was initially supposed to be out 6-8 months before it finally got released. CMR4 should have been here by now, but we won't see it until March... if at all...
| Rallychic | 12-04-2003 02:37 PM |
You had to figure something was up when Colin was photographed with one of the heads of Subaru at Petter's wedding! ;)
It was a good sign at least. I hope he finds another codriver to get into the groove. Ringer has not been a good match in my opinion.
It was a good sign at least. I hope he finds another codriver to get into the groove. Ringer has not been a good match in my opinion.
| Rallychic | 12-04-2003 02:42 PM |
Just found this on WRC.com....
McRae in talks with Subaru for 2004
Subaru � Colin McRae � 04/12/2003 15:12:48
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.�
� Copyright wrc.com
McRae in talks with Subaru for 2004
Subaru � Colin McRae � 04/12/2003 15:12:48
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.�
� Copyright wrc.com
| iemonslice | 12-04-2003 02:42 PM |
Granted Colin is most likely going to sign with Subaru for 04, I don't know how he's "on the verge of sealing a deal." He said, "Obviously there's an interest, but we haven't discussed anything in detail." On the verge of sealing a deal? Yeah ok.
| 10th Warrior | 12-04-2003 03:09 PM |
[QUOTE]You had to figure something was up when Colin was photographed with one of the heads of Subaru at Petter's wedding! [/QUOTE]
oh come on, you know McRae was just there because it was a chance to wear a kilt ;)
still pulling for Rowe or one of the brothers Higgins.
oh come on, you know McRae was just there because it was a chance to wear a kilt ;)
still pulling for Rowe or one of the brothers Higgins.
| gtguy | 12-04-2003 04:11 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by TimStevens [/i]
[B]CMR3 was initially supposed to be out 6-8 months before it finally got released. CMR4 should have been here by now, but we won't see it until March... if at all... [/B][/QUOTE]
CMR4 is getting raves in Europe, too. I'm fairly certain that we'll get it, just some time after the rest of the world. The real question for us PC folks is how long will we have to wait after the XBox, etc folks?
Kevin
[B]CMR3 was initially supposed to be out 6-8 months before it finally got released. CMR4 should have been here by now, but we won't see it until March... if at all... [/B][/QUOTE]
CMR4 is getting raves in Europe, too. I'm fairly certain that we'll get it, just some time after the rest of the world. The real question for us PC folks is how long will we have to wait after the XBox, etc folks?
Kevin
| Jon [in CT] | 12-04-2003 07:36 PM |
It's official now. :)
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]:[quote][b][size=3]McRae back in the WRC[/size]
Alister, not Colin - yet![/b]
[i]Latest news[/i]
[b]Motorsport preparation company R.E.D, which has prepared and ran rally cars for both Jimmy and Colin McRae, has announced that the team will run Alister McRae in a Prodrive-built Subaru Impreza Sti Group N rally car, in the 2004 FIA Production Car World Championship.[/b]
Confirming the deal, Team Principal Neil Gatt said : "It's been a while since the McRae name has been on an R.E.D car, therefore I am thrilled to be running Alister in the PWRC next year."
R.E.D is planning to run a two or three car team in the 2004 PWRC, but Gatt would not be drawn on the identity of the second or third driver.
"My objective for 2004 season is to be highly competitive with strong driver/car packages. The Prodrive built Subaru has proved it's capability in this year's PWRC and of course to have a driver of Alister's stature ability speaks for itself," said Gatt.
Alister McRae has not driven a Group N car competitively since 1992, when he drove a Group N Ford in the British Championship and entered the RAC Rally in a Group N Subaru Legacy. Testing for Sweden and Mexico in the latest Subaru Group N car will begin shortly.
Commenting on the prospect of competing in the PWRC Alister McRae said "Clearly a full works WRC drive was my priority for 2004, however in the absence of that, the PWRC for 2004 looks to be the next best thing. I'm really looking forward to what is looking like being a very competitive and more high profile championship than previous years."
When asked about sponsorship McRae added: "There are a few gaps in the budget at the moment, but I'll be talking to interested parties over the next couple of weeks and hope to announce details of that early next year."[/quote]
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]:[quote][b][size=3]McRae back in the WRC[/size]
Alister, not Colin - yet![/b]
[i]Latest news[/i]
[b]Motorsport preparation company R.E.D, which has prepared and ran rally cars for both Jimmy and Colin McRae, has announced that the team will run Alister McRae in a Prodrive-built Subaru Impreza Sti Group N rally car, in the 2004 FIA Production Car World Championship.[/b]
Confirming the deal, Team Principal Neil Gatt said : "It's been a while since the McRae name has been on an R.E.D car, therefore I am thrilled to be running Alister in the PWRC next year."
R.E.D is planning to run a two or three car team in the 2004 PWRC, but Gatt would not be drawn on the identity of the second or third driver.
"My objective for 2004 season is to be highly competitive with strong driver/car packages. The Prodrive built Subaru has proved it's capability in this year's PWRC and of course to have a driver of Alister's stature ability speaks for itself," said Gatt.
Alister McRae has not driven a Group N car competitively since 1992, when he drove a Group N Ford in the British Championship and entered the RAC Rally in a Group N Subaru Legacy. Testing for Sweden and Mexico in the latest Subaru Group N car will begin shortly.
Commenting on the prospect of competing in the PWRC Alister McRae said "Clearly a full works WRC drive was my priority for 2004, however in the absence of that, the PWRC for 2004 looks to be the next best thing. I'm really looking forward to what is looking like being a very competitive and more high profile championship than previous years."
When asked about sponsorship McRae added: "There are a few gaps in the budget at the moment, but I'll be talking to interested parties over the next couple of weeks and hope to announce details of that early next year."[/quote]
| sha_zapple | 12-04-2003 07:39 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jon [in CT][/i]
[B] It's official now. :)
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]: [/B][/QUOTE]
you suck! :p
[B] It's official now. :)
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]: [/B][/QUOTE]
you suck! :p
| johnfelstead | 12-04-2003 09:27 PM |
It will be a shame if Colin gets the drive, a good oportunity to give an up and coming driver will have been lost.
If he does sign for Subaru then of course i hope he has a great season, but i personally will be a little sad about that.
If he does sign for Subaru then of course i hope he has a great season, but i personally will be a little sad about that.
| LimeyWRX | 12-04-2003 09:56 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by johnfelstead [/i]
[B]It will be a shame if Colin gets the drive, a good oportunity to give an up and coming driver will have been lost.
If he does sign for Subaru then of course i hope he has a great season, but i personally will be a little sad about that. [/B][/QUOTE]
Subaru would only offer a drive to a younger up and coming driver if they wanted to continue and build the foundation of the rally team and current car. With Colin they have a chance to win the manufacturers championship title as well as keep the drivers championship title (Petter, possibly Colin). They are also interested in Freddie Loix for a third car as he hasn't finished on the podium in three seasons. This would be a strong chance compared to the other teams. Colin may realize with this lifeline that he may find it very hard to get another drive if he continues to drive to far over the edge. It may tame him a little.
Solberg and McRae would definetly be a good team where the two can push each other hard.
[B]It will be a shame if Colin gets the drive, a good oportunity to give an up and coming driver will have been lost.
If he does sign for Subaru then of course i hope he has a great season, but i personally will be a little sad about that. [/B][/QUOTE]
Subaru would only offer a drive to a younger up and coming driver if they wanted to continue and build the foundation of the rally team and current car. With Colin they have a chance to win the manufacturers championship title as well as keep the drivers championship title (Petter, possibly Colin). They are also interested in Freddie Loix for a third car as he hasn't finished on the podium in three seasons. This would be a strong chance compared to the other teams. Colin may realize with this lifeline that he may find it very hard to get another drive if he continues to drive to far over the edge. It may tame him a little.
Solberg and McRae would definetly be a good team where the two can push each other hard.
| PurePower | 12-04-2003 10:41 PM |
Loix is Gronholm's teammate next year at Peugeot. Rovenpera got the boot.
| johnfelstead | 12-04-2003 11:00 PM |
There is no 3rd driver in the WRC, teams are only allowed to run 2 cars.
| mykrrrr | 12-04-2003 11:34 PM |
I would love to see Harri Rovanpera get the seat @ SWRT.
I'd also like to see the McRae/Subaru relationship again but he needs to keep it in one piece. McCrash needs to take it down a notch IMO...he did pretty well this year keeping the Xsara in one piece.
Martin Rowe is good but I don't think he'll get it. The Higgins duo are great as well but they're in the same boat as Martin.
McRae has star appeal and will most likely get the nod from FHI/Prodrive.
Either way, SWRT will have a good team.
-mykr.
I'd also like to see the McRae/Subaru relationship again but he needs to keep it in one piece. McCrash needs to take it down a notch IMO...he did pretty well this year keeping the Xsara in one piece.
Martin Rowe is good but I don't think he'll get it. The Higgins duo are great as well but they're in the same boat as Martin.
McRae has star appeal and will most likely get the nod from FHI/Prodrive.
Either way, SWRT will have a good team.
-mykr.
| bliu | 12-05-2003 09:33 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rallychic[/i]
[B] Just found this on WRC.com....
The team is believed to be increasing its budget for 2004 [I]in the knowledge that a change in the points-scoring rules[/I] will improve its chances of regaining the manufacturers� world championship.
[/B][/QUOTE]
What points-scoring rules are changing?
:confused:
[B] Just found this on WRC.com....
The team is believed to be increasing its budget for 2004 [I]in the knowledge that a change in the points-scoring rules[/I] will improve its chances of regaining the manufacturers� world championship.
[/B][/QUOTE]
What points-scoring rules are changing?
:confused:
| T-WREXX | 12-05-2003 09:53 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jon [in CT][/i]
[B] It's official now. :)
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]: [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes, you do suck. ;) I thought it was official that COLIN McRae had signed with us, not Alister, although he is a great driver also. IMO, Colin will fit right in and feel comfortable immediately in the Impreza. I see big things happening guys, Petter and Colin will both make a serious push for both the drivers champ. and the manufact. title
[B] It's official now. :)
From [url]http://www.rallysportnews.com.au/cms/A_100361/article.html[/url]: [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes, you do suck. ;) I thought it was official that COLIN McRae had signed with us, not Alister, although he is a great driver also. IMO, Colin will fit right in and feel comfortable immediately in the Impreza. I see big things happening guys, Petter and Colin will both make a serious push for both the drivers champ. and the manufact. title
| jesse370 | 12-05-2003 02:42 PM |
The whole teams are only allowed to run two cars. kinda kills the french strangle hold on the wrc:D
| Thevaliantknite | 12-05-2003 04:04 PM |
That sucks that the rules are changing. . .sports are always changin rules. But it is awesome that Subaru is taking on Mcrae. Petter and Colin will compliment each other. Still gonne miss tommi but now I know Subaru will still have a erally strong team for 2004.
Petter Solberg 2003 WRC Champion!!!!!!!!!!
Petter Solberg 2003 WRC Champion!!!!!!!!!!
| Subie Gal | 12-12-2003 03:30 PM |
[i]hmmm i love speculation[/i]
i think i'll wait for the real "official" announcement from the official officials... officially :D
from the looks of this, [url=http://www.wrc.com/en_GB/News/2003/016/2003_R_mcraeandsubarudoubtful.htm]McRae Joining Subaru is Doubtful[/url]
:confused:
i think i'll wait for the real "official" announcement from the official officials... officially :D
from the looks of this, [url=http://www.wrc.com/en_GB/News/2003/016/2003_R_mcraeandsubarudoubtful.htm]McRae Joining Subaru is Doubtful[/url]
:confused:
| TimStevens | 12-12-2003 03:33 PM |
d'oh :(
Looks like we'll hear either way on Monday.
Looks like we'll hear either way on Monday.
| Gorio | 12-12-2003 03:49 PM |
[url]http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=25523&s=8[/url]
| occytron wrc | 12-12-2003 03:50 PM |
Just read this over at worldrallynews.com
[QUOTE]Subaru turns down McRae
December 12, 2003
Colin McRae has lost his one remaining chance of staying in the World Rally Championship in 2004, as Subaru is expected to announce that it will take a younger, cheaper driver instead.
McRae was regarded as the obvious candidate for the second Subaru when Richard Burns was invalided out for 2004 by a brain tumour, but negotiations turned cold shortly after the Scot, who won the world title with Subaru in 1995, tested an Impreza a week ago.
Subaru is expected to make an announcement on Monday. Finn Mikko Hirvonen is regarded as the front runner for the drive. Cutting the budget is thought to have been a major consideration.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Subaru turns down McRae
December 12, 2003
Colin McRae has lost his one remaining chance of staying in the World Rally Championship in 2004, as Subaru is expected to announce that it will take a younger, cheaper driver instead.
McRae was regarded as the obvious candidate for the second Subaru when Richard Burns was invalided out for 2004 by a brain tumour, but negotiations turned cold shortly after the Scot, who won the world title with Subaru in 1995, tested an Impreza a week ago.
Subaru is expected to make an announcement on Monday. Finn Mikko Hirvonen is regarded as the front runner for the drive. Cutting the budget is thought to have been a major consideration.
[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 12-12-2003 03:54 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Gorio[/i]
[B] [url]http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=25523&s=8[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
Sounds almost like they wanted him to support Solberg, and he wasn't too keen on that.
[B] [url]http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=25523&s=8[/url] [/B][/QUOTE]
Sounds almost like they wanted him to support Solberg, and he wasn't too keen on that.
| ANZAC_1915 | 12-12-2003 04:33 PM |
Could someone cut and paste the article?
| mykrrrr | 12-12-2003 04:43 PM |
Just for you Glenn...
[quote]Colin McRae will not drive for Subaru in next year's World Rally Championship following the Banbury team's decision not to offer him a 2004 seat.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Monte Carlo this afternoon between Subaru World Rally Team officials and high-ranking members of Subaru Japan. McRae, who was told his services would not be required earlier this evening, was angry and confused about the way the negotiations had broken down.
The 35-year-old Scot, who won his only world title with Subaru in 1995, tested the team's Impreza WRC2003 in Wales last week and believed the deal for his return was all-but confirmed.
McRae was quick to point out that the stumbling block for the deal was not his salary for 2004.
�This deal was not about the money, it was about me being in a team that could have given me one more crack at the World Rally Championship," he said. "Subaru could have had a cracking team with Petter (Solberg) and myself. I've never been more disappointed with anything in my entire time in the championship.�
McRae, who was not retained by the Citroen team at the end of this season, will now focus his attentions on a forthcoming attempt at Telefonica Dakar, driving a Nissan.
World rallying's commercial boss David Richards was disappointed not to see McRae back in the championship, saying: �Some sports have iconic figures and Colin is one of them. It was Colin that helped put Subaru on the map. I don't think some people understand the impact of not having him in the car.�
Subaru World Rally Team will make an official announcement on Monday about who will partner Solberg at Subaru next season. Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen is rumoured to be favourite for the seat.[/quote]
SuX he won't be behind the wheel of the Impreza in '04 but the bottom line didn't match up...that's life I guess. :(
-mykr.
[quote]Colin McRae will not drive for Subaru in next year's World Rally Championship following the Banbury team's decision not to offer him a 2004 seat.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Monte Carlo this afternoon between Subaru World Rally Team officials and high-ranking members of Subaru Japan. McRae, who was told his services would not be required earlier this evening, was angry and confused about the way the negotiations had broken down.
The 35-year-old Scot, who won his only world title with Subaru in 1995, tested the team's Impreza WRC2003 in Wales last week and believed the deal for his return was all-but confirmed.
McRae was quick to point out that the stumbling block for the deal was not his salary for 2004.
�This deal was not about the money, it was about me being in a team that could have given me one more crack at the World Rally Championship," he said. "Subaru could have had a cracking team with Petter (Solberg) and myself. I've never been more disappointed with anything in my entire time in the championship.�
McRae, who was not retained by the Citroen team at the end of this season, will now focus his attentions on a forthcoming attempt at Telefonica Dakar, driving a Nissan.
World rallying's commercial boss David Richards was disappointed not to see McRae back in the championship, saying: �Some sports have iconic figures and Colin is one of them. It was Colin that helped put Subaru on the map. I don't think some people understand the impact of not having him in the car.�
Subaru World Rally Team will make an official announcement on Monday about who will partner Solberg at Subaru next season. Finnish driver Mikko Hirvonen is rumoured to be favourite for the seat.[/quote]
SuX he won't be behind the wheel of the Impreza in '04 but the bottom line didn't match up...that's life I guess. :(
-mykr.
| johnfelstead | 12-12-2003 05:14 PM |
excellent news for SWRT. If they get Hirvonen you wont be disapointed, that guy is seriously quick!
Have to say i was surprised Colin was even in with a shout after they didnt choose him and went with Burns the first time around.
Have to say i was surprised Colin was even in with a shout after they didnt choose him and went with Burns the first time around.
| bemani | 12-12-2003 06:00 PM |
Good decision. Subaru gives a younger driver a chance at the WRC level.
| nKoan | 12-12-2003 06:31 PM |
Although it is sad to see McRae leave the WRC, this is probably the best for SWRT.
Hirvonen is a great driver, and the prospects for a Subaru manufacturers title is still high. When he was let off his leash (Malcolm Wilson usually kept him under strict orders to finish every rally), he was matching Duval in his '02 Focus.
I wonder how long Mikko's contract is going to be for? Aparently, Subaru is still paying Burns and Reid for the '04 season and that is one of the main reasons negotations broke down (although McRae won't admit it). Subaru just didn't have enough money to pay Burns and McRae. I wouldn't blame McRae for asking for a high salary though, his name alone almost deserves it, but it still sucks that a compromise couldn't be reached.
Hirvonen is a great driver, and the prospects for a Subaru manufacturers title is still high. When he was let off his leash (Malcolm Wilson usually kept him under strict orders to finish every rally), he was matching Duval in his '02 Focus.
I wonder how long Mikko's contract is going to be for? Aparently, Subaru is still paying Burns and Reid for the '04 season and that is one of the main reasons negotations broke down (although McRae won't admit it). Subaru just didn't have enough money to pay Burns and McRae. I wouldn't blame McRae for asking for a high salary though, his name alone almost deserves it, but it still sucks that a compromise couldn't be reached.
| johnfelstead | 12-12-2003 06:38 PM |
If they do sign Hirvonen then its going to be a 1 year deal with options for further years i would imagine, everyone is hoping Richard will be back in 2005.
| mykrrrr | 12-12-2003 09:53 PM |
I wish the FIA would wise up and allow a 3rd driver and cut down the entire season by like 3 or 4 rallies.
Cut costs by cutting some redundant rally surfaces not by limiting the factory teams to two drivers. Do they really need Turkey, Cyprus and Greece right after each other???
Anyway, good luck to SWRT in '04 w/whomever they sign. Hirvonen is pretty quick from what I've read. :)
Hurry back Richard!!! :D
-mykr.
Cut costs by cutting some redundant rally surfaces not by limiting the factory teams to two drivers. Do they really need Turkey, Cyprus and Greece right after each other???
Anyway, good luck to SWRT in '04 w/whomever they sign. Hirvonen is pretty quick from what I've read. :)
Hurry back Richard!!! :D
-mykr.
| DougM | 12-13-2003 12:40 AM |
:D and besides, I like Mr. Hirvonen's first name...
sucks about McRae though, I was kind of looking forward to Petter showing him who the new boss in town is.
sucks about McRae though, I was kind of looking forward to Petter showing him who the new boss in town is.
| Choose | 12-13-2003 08:32 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by DougM[/i]
[B]
sucks about McRae though, I was kind of looking forward to Petter showing him who the new boss in town is. [/B][/QUOTE]
[B]
sucks about McRae though, I was kind of looking forward to Petter showing him who the new boss in town is. [/B][/QUOTE]
| MK19 | 12-14-2003 03:26 AM |
Nothing definitive yet... FIA's deadline is the 17th. Then we will all know for sure. It is pretty tight lipped right now who will get what.
| johnfelstead | 12-14-2003 04:46 AM |
I expect an anouncement monday.
| HomerJay | 12-14-2003 04:58 AM |
No reunion for the boys. McCrae is out!
[URL=http://www.autosport.com/]Doh![/URL] :furious:
[URL=http://www.autosport.com/]Doh![/URL] :furious:
| sha_zapple | 12-14-2003 09:30 PM |
Boourns!
If it wasnt money, then why didnt they take him??
If it wasnt money, then why didnt they take him??
| A_Train | 12-14-2003 09:45 PM |
well, at least McRae can now focus on winning Dakar in a few weeks
| nKoan | 12-14-2003 09:46 PM |
I bet it was a money issue. I think McRae asked for a reasonable salary (probably close to what Burns and Solberg are getting) but Subaru just couldn't budget 3 big salaries (they are paying Burns during 2004)
If it wasn't a budget issue, my guess is they decided that McRae didn't have it in him anymore, and decided to go with a promising youngster.
If it wasn't a budget issue, my guess is they decided that McRae didn't have it in him anymore, and decided to go with a promising youngster.
| Scooby South | 12-15-2003 07:22 AM |
Its Official...
�
�
[URL=http://subaru.wrc-online.net/article.asp?stid=2576]Subaru signs....[/URL]
| Idjiit | 12-15-2003 08:32 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by sha_zapple[/i]
[B]If it wasnt money, then why didnt they take him?? [/B][/QUOTE]
Not only is his salary huge, but if you want the old McRae back, you'll be going through a lots of parts and cars. :lol:
But seriously, the focus in WRC in general seems to be on younger drivers right now - I'm not really surprised. Given the choice - money no object - between McRae and say, Markko Martin - I bet Subaru would take Markko. Easier to work with, easier on cars and hella fast.
[B]If it wasnt money, then why didnt they take him?? [/B][/QUOTE]
Not only is his salary huge, but if you want the old McRae back, you'll be going through a lots of parts and cars. :lol:
But seriously, the focus in WRC in general seems to be on younger drivers right now - I'm not really surprised. Given the choice - money no object - between McRae and say, Markko Martin - I bet Subaru would take Markko. Easier to work with, easier on cars and hella fast.
| Subie Gal | 12-15-2003 10:59 AM |
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=469472[/url]
:D
:D
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