McRae wants to start own junior team

The former world champion hopes to emulate Ford team-mate Carlos Sainz, who runs a similar programme in Spain. There, Txus Jayo and Michael Huete drive a pair of Ford Puma kit cars, with the former also getting the chance to pilot an Escort WRC on selected events.

"The junior team is something I want to do," McRae told Autosport's sister publication Motoring News. "It seems to be really difficult for young rally drivers in Britain right now - they're not getting a lot of support. I'm in a position where my name is right at the forefront, so I'm going to try and give something back.

"Carlos's team has worked well in Spain, but they seem to get more support out there. We need to get somebody backing this sort of thing and you'd look to a manufacturer for that kind of help," he added.

Ford of Europe's motorsport boss Martin Whitaker is keen to be involved in the project: "I've spoken to Colin and Jimmy [Colin's British Championship-winning father] about this subject and told them just how well it could fit into Ford's ladder of success. This takes drivers out of karts, through the Ka Championship and into the 1400cc and 1600cc Puma series."

The Scot, whose name has been successfully marketed via the PlayStation game Colin McRae Rally, is also planning to start a rally school and a bonus scheme available to young British drivers.

"I always wanted to do something after I stopped rallying at this level," he added. "I don't know when I will retire. I love my job right now and, while I'm still enjoying what I do, then I'll stick with it."