McRae placed on recce probation

The Scot escaped more severe punishment as co-driver Nicky Grist was able to persuade the stewards that signposts erected to help spectators gain access to the stage (to be run on Saturday morning) had confused the crew and led them to enter the stage 6kms after the start.

Instead of retracing their steps, McRae and Grist drove against the rally route to the stage start and then began their recce in the correct direction.

Although McRae was let off with nothing more serious than a reprimand, the stewards told McRae and Grist that their actions in the recce period of the seven remaining events of this year's championship will be closely monitored.

Furthermore they have advised future stewards' panels that, should McRae offend again, it is to be considered as a second offence and McRae should be given a more severe penalty. Although unspecified, the implication is that McRae would be excluded from starting an event should he commit a similar offence in the future.