McRae on probation for recce mistake

The punishment could have been more severe for the Ford driver had co-driver Nicky Grist not persuaded the stewards that signposts directing spectators to the track had led him astray.

The duo arrived on the course 6 km from the start and drove against the direction of traffic to begin its recce from the correct spot.

Stewards gave McRae a formal reprimand and warned the Scot he would be given a more severe punishment if he re-offended on a recce stage this season. According to the WRC website, this could amount to disqualification from a race.

Disqualification would have been a disaster for McRae and Grist, who have said they must win the next two rallies to be in contention for this year's championship.

Fellow Brit Richard Burns stood up for his rival, saying: "Colin would only have done what Nicky told him to do so if there are to be any reprimands then they ought to be directed at Nicky, rather than Colin."