McRae's Subaru deal in doubt

The Scot looked to be on his way out of the WRC after being dropped by Citroen. However, a top-line drive at Subaru became available when Richard Burns was forced to skip the season to undergo treatment for a brain tumour.

"As far as I'm aware a decision has been made, and it does not look too good at the moment," said Richards, whose Prodrive company is responsible for running the works Subaru team in the WRC.

"It is a financial situation because of the increased costs of competing in the world championship next year. But all is not lost yet. There are a number of people and commercial sponsors who do not want to see Colin lost to the championship."

Richards acknowledged the role that McRae played in helping establish Subaru on the world scene. After rising through the British championship, McRae won the manufacturer's first world title in 1995.

"There is no question that Colin is one of the key ingredients who put Subaru on the map in the first place. It would be extraordinary if they could get him back competing but that's a decision that leads to other considerations."