McRae ready for toughest title battle yet

Speaking at Autosport International 2001, the Scot said he thinks Ford is in a good position to wrest the title away from Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm.

"If I didn't think I could win I wouldn't be here," said McRae, who is the only Briton to have won the World Championship. "After two years of development with the Focus we're looking really good, but I think it's going to be the toughest title fight yet. I'm sure Marcus will be there again, along with Tommi Makinen, Carlos Sainz and Richard Burns - all the usual guys, plus Didier Auriol in the Peugeot. It's very difficult to pick a winner, and I think by the time the Network Q Rally GB comes around there will be two or three drivers in with a shout."

McRae's 2000 title bid was marred by a horrendous crash on the Tour of Corsica which fractured his cheekbone. Despite a brave comeback on the next event, the Sanremo Rally, he slipped to fourth in the eventual standings. He thinks that winter developments will aid his cause in 2001 to make up for his disappointing end to last year.

"We've struggled in the past with reliability, but now everything seems to be working really well," he added. "The revised engine is good and we've had no setbacks in testing at all, which is a bonus. We've had extra work to tune the tyres to the car and vice versa [Ford has switched to Pirelli tyres this year], but I don't think it will pose a problem."

His co-driver Nicky Grist is also upbeat about their chances, but he doesn't think that the opening round in Monte Carlo next week will necessarily give any clues as to who will be the next world champion.

"I don't think it's anyone's favourite event," said the Welshman. "The fastest guy doesn't always win the event and a lot depends on weather and tyre choice. Going for a solid result is the best option, and anything better than that is a bonus."