Kankkunen's drive under threat

'It's no secret that we have a vacancy for our second car next season. At the moment only Richard Burns is confirmed as staying,' Richards said.

Kankkunen had a strong 1999 season, taking two victories, but has been unable to match the pace of his championship leading team mate this year. He is currently languishing down the field on the Catalunya Rally after crashing on leg two.

Richards' comment was the first public hint that Kankkunen will not be staying with the Banbury team for 2001, although his position has always been suspect given his lack of pace on asphalt.

It had been suggested that the Finn might be replaced for the four asphalt rounds this year but so far that has not happened.

Richards refused to rule out the possibility of Colin McRae returning to the team that gave him his WRC break, despite suggestions that Richard Burns would not be over-impressed at the prospect of teaming up with his fellow Brit.

'If Richard wants to be the best he has to beat everyone and the best way to show he can beat Colin is if they are both in the same car,' the Prodrive chief said.