rallyman

McRae waits as Ford stalls
August 28, 2002
Colin McRae has disclosed that he has yet to receive a formal offer from Ford for 2003, adding weight to the theory that Ford’s rally team may be facing deep budget cuts.

McRae’s Ford contract expires at the end of the year and he has at least one tempting alternative, as Citroen has made no secret of its wish to find a proven winner for its first full World Championship campaign next season. The 34-year-old Scot insists that he hasn’t made a commitment to any manufacturer, but said that he wanted to make his mind up soon.

“The problem is at the moment there’s no commitment from Ford,” he said. “I don’t want to have to hang on, hoping that Ford are going to come up with something and if they don’t, I’ve turned down another good offer. If a good offer comes along, then obviously it would be seriously considered. It would be a shame to have to leave the team, but if they can’t come up with anything solid soon, then that may be the case.”

Citroen’s plans are also in a state of flux. Team Director Guy Frequelin still doesn’t know whether he will have the budget for two or three drivers next year. At present, Sebastien Loeb is the only Citroen driver with a contract for next season.
-- from World Rally News.

The beginning of the end for Ford/McRae relationship? Seems likely!

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