City deal saves McShea's season

The deal means that McShea, who is the sole British driver in the FIA Super 1600 Cup (the cost-controlled series designed to introduced young talent into the World Championship) will be able to contest the remaining four rounds of the series in a Citroen Saxo.

The six-figure backing has been put together by city director and rally driver John Lloyd, after discussions with McShea's manager, former navigator Fred Gallagher. In addition to the city investment, support for the programme comes from Minilite Wheels. Further investment could follow for 2002, but only if McShea proves his ability over the remaining four S1600 rounds - Finland, Corsica, Sanremo and the Rally GB.

"Without this support my career would be over," said McShea. "After I won the Roger Clark Award last year I tried to step up to the World Championship, even though I didn't have the backing for a full season. Now that I've got this support I know I can show I'm worthy of it."

McShea's Saxo will be run by Belgian Willy Lux, who guided Renault to successive British titles in 1998 and 1999 . "It's as good as the car used by Sebastien Loeb, who's winning the championship," said McShea. "So I've got to make sure I'm not far off his pace."

Lloyd said: "The venture is highly risky and the progress of it through the next six to 18 months is entirely dependent on results. If Niall doesn't get the results, we've all lost out. But I have faith in the guy and in the Super 1600 Championship to bring young talent like him into the forefront of what is an expanding sport."