McRae to re-unite with Subaru
Former WRC champion Colin McRae has signed a deal with Subaru to compete in a one-off rally in a works-prepared Impreza WRC at the Italian Bettega Memorial Rallysprint on December 11 and 12
McRae, who won the 1995 WRC title with Subaru, will compete head-to-head with current full-time WRC drivers, top privateers and stars from other forms of motorsport including MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who will line up in a Toyota Corolla WRC.
"I'm really looking forward to the event, it's good to have a bit of competition again." McRae said. "I think I'll adapt quite quickly to the new Impreza. Although it hasn't got much in common with the one I used to drive, it's such a versatile car that hopefully, given a bit of practise, I'll be able get it set-up to my liking.
"Although Bettega's a bit of fun it's a very competitive event too, when flag drops the attitude changes and I'm out there to try and win."
The knock-out contest will take place on a mixed-surface arena that resembles a WRC superspecial stage and includes one heat run in the dark on Saturday night. It is one of the most popular motorsport events to take place at the Bologna Motor Show and was created in the memory of Lancia factory rally driver Attilio Bettega.
"The organisers of the Bettega Rallysprint invited Colin and the team to come together for this special occasion and we were happy to help," said Toshi Azuma, Subaru's manufacturer principal.
"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to reunite one of our previous young champions with the latest car for Bettega, and I'm sure both Colin and the spectators will enjoy the experience. I just hope he remembers how to drive it."
It will be good practice for McRae if recent rumours about him making a comeback to the WRC are to be believed. The Scot recently conducted a secret test with Skoda in Spain last month and while he has ruled out a full campaign, there remains the possibility that he could agree to a limited programme with Skoda in the WRC next season - possibly sharing a drive with rising Irish star Kris Meeke, whom he has supported for the last few years in junior categories.
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